The Austrian far-right Freedom Party (FPO), led by Herbert Kickl, is making a formidable bid to win the parliamentary elections, a first in the party's history. Kickl, renowned for his abrasive and provocative style, has directed the FPO's campaign towards voter concerns over immigration, inflation, and the broader economic situation.

The FPO has led opinion polls for over a year, despite Chancellor Karl Nehammer's efforts to close the gap. Nehammer's Austrian People's Party (OVP) has framed the election as a choice between stability and extremism. The race is expected to be tight, and both parties are preparing for the inevitable coalition negotiations that will follow.

Kickl has consistently focused on anti-immigration rhetoric, advocating for the creation of a “Fortress Austria” to prevent migrants from entering the country. He has pledged tough measures, including halting asylum grants and forcing migrants back at the borders. Kickl's campaign has resonated with voters frustrated by an economy struggling with inflation rates higher than the European Union average.

The FPO's rise is partly attributed to voter discontent over economic mismanagement and political scandals that have plagued Austria's government. Kickl has promised to address these issues, positioning himself as a defender of Austrian neutrality and a critic of the EU and its policies, particularly towards Russia and the war in Ukraine.

Nehammer has sought to present himself as a statesman capable of managing crises, emphasizing his handling of recent floods that affected Austria. Despite overlapping on certain policy areas such as tax cuts and immigration, Nehammer has repeatedly rejected the idea of forming a government with Kickl as a partner. Instead, Nehammer characterizes Kickl as an extremist, a sentiment echoed by other political leaders, including Andreas Babler of the Social Democrats, who labeled Kickl a threat to democracy.

The FPO's campaign has not been without controversy. Kickl's use of historical terminology reminiscent of Nazi propaganda has drawn criticism, and the party's connections to far-right groups have been scrutinized. Nonetheless, the FPO maintains significant support, particularly among voters who feel alienated by mainstream politics.

The prospect of an FPO-led government raises concerns about Austria's role in the European Union. Kickl has expressed admiration for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his confrontational stance towards the EU. An FPO victory could alter Austria's EU policies, particularly its stance on sanctions against Russia and participation in European defense initiatives.

Polling stations opened early on Sunday, with projections expected shortly after closing. The eventual winner will need to form a coalition, as neither the FPO nor the OVP is anticipated to secure an outright majority. This election represents a critical juncture for Austrian politics, as voters decide between the established order and a shift towards the far-right.

President Alexander Van der Bellen has indicated that he might intervene if the FPO leads the vote due to concerns about the party's extremist elements. This election could indeed redefine Austria's political landscape, not just domestically but also in its relations within the European Union.

As Austria votes, the implications of this election are being watched closely across Europe, where similar sentiments are gaining ground. The FPO's potential victory is seen as part of a broader trend of far-right gains in countries like the Netherlands, France, and Germany.