Between 15,000 and 17,000 people demonstrated in central Vienna on Thursday to oppose the potential return of the far right to power in Austria, following their victory in the legislative elections on Sunday.
“The Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) poses a threat as it has already signaled its intention to govern similarly to illiberal Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary,” stated Rihab Toumi, a 26-year-old student.
With nearly 29% of the vote, the party could soon be tasked by the President with forming a government.
Despite the FPÖ’s historic success, no other political party is willing to collaborate with Herbert Kickl, the leader of this group, which has roots in former Nazi ideology and is considered too radical by many.
