The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has made history by winning the legislative elections held on Sunday, September 29. This marks the first time since World War II that a far-right party has achieved electoral victory in the country. Herbert Kickl, the party leader, declared that a new era is beginning.

According to preliminary results from the Austrian electoral authority, the FPÖ received 29.2% of the votes, placing it ahead of the ÖVP, which garnered 26.5%, and the SPÖ, which received 21%. This significant win for the FPÖ is particularly notable in smaller cities and suburban areas, as reported by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard.

Herbert Kickl’s victory is not just a local event and it resonates with far-right parties across Europe, which have been gaining momentum in recent years. The rise of the FPÖ could potentially lead to divisions within the European Union, especially concerning critical issues like defense policies regarding Ukraine and Russia.