2025 began in Austria with eruptive political changes: the failure of coalition negotiations between the parties ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer, and President Alexander Van der Bellen's decision to task the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), Herbert Kickl, with forming a government.
This development could soon see Austrian politics dominated by forces that oppose European integration and an open, democratic society – something that hasn't been the case since Austria's involvement in the German NS-regime. These events come exactly 30 years after the country joined the EU and amidst Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
This raises fundamental political questions – also for the ÖVP, which is now showing readiness for such a partnership, and for everyone in this country: Will the principles of democracy, pluralism, the protection of human rights, civil society rights, and the independence of the media and judiciary endure? Is there a risk that the country will undermine the EU or even leave it? Will government policies, as seen in neighboring Hungary and Slovakia, align with dictatorial regimes in Russia and accept their illegitimate claims? What will happen to climate and migration policy and, overall, Austria's involvement in issues of global development and responsibility?
At Dialogbüro, we remain steadfast in our commitment to democratic values and principles, including freedom of expression and the press, and open discourse. We advocate further European integration, ensuring the security and border stability of all countries while dismantling barriers between them through peaceful, sustainable cooperation. We are guided by the rights and practices of a discrimination-free society that guarantees the protection of individuality and enables participation, education, and development for all. Ecological modernization and a decolonial approach – both domestically and internationally – are, in our view, indispensable.
Finally, we see it as the historical responsibility of all citizens in Austria and Europe to protect and uphold this framework of community. Whether this succeeds is as crucial for peace, security, and prosperity, as the continued support for Ukraine and other countries already under attack or at risk of being targeted. We will continue to monitor and advocate for this agenda.
Photos from the demonstration against a potential FPÖ-ÖVP government and in support of democracy and human rights, held on January 9, 2025, around the Federal Chancellery in Vienna. Approximately 25,000 people are estimated to have participated.
