Thousands rally in Austria as far-right Freedom Party eyes power

RFI

10 January 2025 at 5:33 am·1-min read

People in Vienna hold up their cell phones during a protest on 9 January against Austria's far-right Freedom Party.

Up to 50,000 people demonstrated across Austria on Thursday against the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) as it begins coalition talks to form a new government.

The FPOe won parliamentary elections in September for the first time ever, with almost 29 percent of the vote.

While other parties initially refused to form a cabinet with the FPOe, the conservative People's Party (OeVP) reversed its position this week and agreed to negotiations.

The talks begin Friday, with the FPOe holding a strong bargaining position.

Fears for democracy

In Vienna, thousands gathered late Thursday to oppose the potential coalition. Protesters held signs reading "Fight fascism" and "Nazis out".

Authorities estimated the crowd at 25,000, while organisers said it was closer to 50,000. Some demonstrators formed a human chain around the chancellery and shone their mobile phone lights at the building.

"I find it very dangerous to see that right-wing extremism has reached the centre of our society," retiree Veronika told RFI, adding she worried about the normalisation of the far right.

"Nobody is ashamed anymore, people get used to it so quickly. I'm afraid for our democracy, I don't want things to turn out like they did in Hungary."

Hungary’s populist leader Viktor Orban has been criticised for rolling back democratic freedoms and aligning with Russia.

Student Ines is horrified by such a prospect.

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Fears for democracy

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