Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs (FPÖ; Freedom Party of Austria) - and to a lesser extent
its breakaway groups - continues to play an important role, especially in traditionally
conservative regions outside the cities.
While the Greens go to the polls on their primary reason for being - environmental is-
sues - the FPÖ and its breakaway groups pursue a populist, right-wing, if somewhat neb-
ulous agenda focusing on reduced immigration, and promotion of regional identity, the
family and traditional values. It's also a loud voice in disputes about bilingual (Slovenian
and German) signposting in Carinthia. About 20% of Austria's population has an immig-
rant background.
With the establishment of the populist Team Stronach by the influential businessman
Frank Stronach (b 1932), a new player has emerged who is set to challenge the FPÖ grip
on populist issues. Key tenets of the Team Stronach platform are euroscepticism, immig-
ration to Austria predominantly on the basis of the country's economic needs, and admin-
istrative reforms. On the whole, it leans towards laissez-faire economics. Unlike in neigh-
bouring Germany, die Piraten (the Pirate Party) has been unable to get a foot in the door
of federal or regional parliaments.
2013 Elections
Regional elections in many provinces in 2013 produced extended grand coalitions of the
large parties, such as in Carinthia, where the SPÖ, ÖVP and Greens formed the so-called
Kenya Coalition (based on the party colours of red, black and green, those of Kenya's
flag). This government includes minsters from Team Stronach and the FPÖ - a situation
unimaginable in many countries.
Following national elections held in late 2013, Austria continued to be governed by a
grand coalition of the SPÖ and ÖVP, with Team Stronach and a newly formed Neos lib-
eral party winning seats in parliament.
'Red' Vienna Calling
With a population of more than 1.7 million, Vienna makes up over 20% of Austria's pop-
ulation and is an exception to the rest of the country as it has been ruled by the SPÖ unin-
terrupted since 1945; the SPÖ has won an outright majority in all but two elections.
'Red' Vienna therefore stands in stark contrast to the rural population, which is generally
conservative in spirit, and the consensus-focused federal government. The popularity of
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