The Intelligence from The Economist Towards Russia with love: Austria’s political tilt
Jan 8, 2025
Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, discusses the dramatic rise of Austria’s Freedom Party, a once-fringe far-right group now nearing power. He highlights their extreme views on immigration and troubling pro-Russian sentiments, drawing connections to broader nationalist movements across Europe. Additionally, Lockwood reflects on the legacy of Jean-Marie Le Pen, exploring how his ideologies have evolved into mainstream politics through his daughter, Marine. The conversation also briefly touches on financial inclusion challenges in Latin America.
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Rise of Hard-Right Parties
- Europe sees a rise in hard-right parties gaining power, like Gert Wilders in the Netherlands and Marine Le Pen in France.
- Austria's Freedom Party (FPO) is now close to leading the country, echoing this trend.
Austria's Freedom Party (FPO)
- Austria's Freedom Party (FPO), known for its hard-right stance, is likely to lead the country for the first time.
- They advocate for strict immigration policies, are pro-Russia, and have historical ties to post-war Nazi figures.
Parallels with Germany
- The FPO's rise mirrors similar trends in other European countries, raising concerns for Germany's upcoming elections.
- However, Germany has a strong firewall against cooperating with the far-right AFD party.