The decision of Austria’s president to task the leader of the radical right Freedom Party, Herbert Kickl, with forming a coalition in which he would serve as chancellor has resonated beyond Austria’s borders.
The Freedom Party has previously been a member of several federal governments and is currently part of the ruling coalitions in five of the nine states that make up the federation. Thus, the Austrian voter has already contributed to normalizing the phenomenon whereby an explicitly anti-democratic radical right party, which undermines the liberal-democratic order, can take part in running the country’s affairs. The possibility of Kickl being elected chancellor represents a significant step in the process of “normalizing” the radical right in Europe. In fact, it can be said that Austrians have grown so disillusioned with the performance of the democratic parties that they are willing to elect a radical right, anti-democratic, and anti-European party.
It’s important to note that similar processes are occurring in other Western countries. Needless to say, the realization of this scenario will have implications for the European Union, as it will welcome into its ranks a Eurosceptic, pro-Russian leader who opposes both sanctions on Russia and assistance to Ukraine in its war.
How will official Israel act if a far-right chancellor (with antisemitic tendencies) is appointed? Will it follow the path of then Foreign Minister David Levy, who, in 2000, recalled the ambassador when the Freedom Party joined the coalition? Or will it choose the path of the Likud Party, which in 2016 invited Freedom Party leader Strache for a visit? In recent years, it should be noted that the Likud has strengthened ties with populist parties and leaders who hold anti-democratic views. In other words, will considerations of morality and historical memory be completely overshadowed by realpolitik?
The decision of Austria’s president to task the leader of the radical right Freedom Party, Herbert Kickl, with forming a coalition in which he would serve as chancellor has resonated beyond Austria’s borders.
The Freedom Party has previously been a member of several federal governments and is currently part of the ruling coalitions in five of the nine states that make up the federation. Thus, the Austrian voter has already contributed to normalizing the phenomenon whereby an explicitly anti-democratic radical right party, which undermines the liberal-democratic order, can take part in running the country’s affairs. The possibility of Kickl being elected chancellor represents a significant step in the process of “normalizing” the radical right in Europe. In fact, it can be said that Austrians have grown so disillusioned with the performance of the democratic parties that they are willing to elect a radical right, anti-democratic, and anti-European party.
It’s important to note that similar processes are occurring in other Western countries. Needless to say, the realization of this scenario will have implications for the European Union, as it will welcome into its ranks a Eurosceptic, pro-Russian leader who opposes both sanctions on Russia and assistance to Ukraine in its war.
How will official Israel act if a far-right chancellor (with antisemitic tendencies) is appointed? Will it follow the path of then Foreign Minister David Levy, who, in 2000, recalled the ambassador when the Freedom Party joined the coalition? Or will it choose the path of the Likud Party, which in 2016 invited Freedom Party leader Strache for a visit? In recent years, it should be noted that the Likud has strengthened ties with populist parties and leaders who hold anti-democratic views. In other words, will considerations of morality and historical memory be completely overshadowed by realpolitik?