Austrian Freedom Party: Victory in Defeat
Norbert Hofer of the anti-immigration Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) has been narrowly defeated in his bid to become Austria’s next president.
Austrian Freedom Party: Victory in Defeat
Soeren Kern | Gatestone Institute | May 24, 2016
Norbert Hofer of the anti-immigration Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) has been narrowly defeated in his bid to become Austria’s next president.
Alexander Van der Bellen, former leader of Austrian Greens party, won 50.3% of the vote, compared to 49.7% for Hofer. The margin of victory was 31,026 out of nearly 4.5 million votes cast.
European political and media elites have been quick to hail the election of Van der Bellen, who campaigned on a pro-immigration, pro-EU platform. They seem to believe his razor-thin win validates their uninterrupted pursuit of European multiculturalism.
But Hofer can claim victory even in defeat. By winning half the ballots cast, Hofer has exposed Austria’s gaping political divide on immigration and relations with the European Union. Hofer’s rise, which has effectively upended Austria’s political system, has also inspired anti-establishment parties in other parts of Europe.
