VIENNA — Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has officially tasked the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), Herbert Kickl, with forming a coalition government, a significant move that could see Austria led by the far right for the first time since World War II. Speculation around this unprecedented political shift has intensified following a dramatic collapse of centrist coalition talks.

Kickl's Freedom Party emerged as the electoral victor in September's parliamentary election, garnering around 29% of the votes, surpassing Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservative Austrian People's Party (OVP), which secured 26.3%. Following the failure of coalition attempts—prompting Nehammer's resignation—Van der Bellen's decision is a reversal from his prior stance, reflecting a lack of alternatives given the current political landscape.

During his announcement, Van der Bellen remarked, “I did not take this step lightly,” emphasizing that he had a responsibility to ensure that the “cornerstones of democracy” in Austria were upheld. The President, previously critical of the FPO, has faced significant protests from groups opposing Kickl's policies, including Jewish students and left-wing activists, who chanted anti-far-right slogans as Kickl exited their meeting.

The potential shift in leadership is noteworthy as the Freedom Party has historically been positioned as a junior partner in past governments but has never led one. Kickl’s administration priorities include strict immigration control and questioning EU policies, coupled with a platform that calls for the “remigration of uninvited foreigners” and a critical stance against Western aid to Ukraine. As stated in its election platform titled “Fortress Austria,” the FPO aims to tighten border control and suspend asylum rights via emergency law measures. Kickl's partnership with the OVP remains uncertain, although there have been indications of a willingness to negotiate.

Experts have warned that if coalition discussions between the FPO and OVP falter, a snap election could follow, with opinion polls showing increasing support for the far-right party. The geopolitical implications of a far-right government in Austria could resonate throughout the European Union as skepticism towards EU mandates and pro-Russian stances could gain traction.

As Europe continues to grapple with rising populism and far-right movements, the successful formation of Kickl's government could herald a new era for Austrian and European politics. The world watches closely as negotiations unfold to shape the future of an EU member state at a critical juncture.

For further details, visit Al Jazeera.