How Austria’s new leader could test the EU and what Brussels can do to push back
The populist bloc in the European Union may soon gain a new member: Austria. Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party, is on track to become the country’s next chancellor, a prospect that is causing quite a stir in Brussels.
Once dismissed as too extreme even by his own party, Kickl’s rise arrives at a pivotal moment for Europe’s security concerns.
“Something that people really should be focusing on more in Brussels is Austria’s connections to Russia in general, and the Freedom Party’s connections specifically,” said Editor-in-Chief Matthew Karnitschnig.
However, EU institutions have several mechanisms to counter potential challenges Kickl’s leadership poses.
In this episode, host Giada Santana interviews Karnitschnig to discuss Austria’s political shift and its implications for Europe.
