German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed serious concern about developments in Austria, where the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) has been given a mandate to form a government. He made the comments at a campaign event in Ludwigsfelde, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
“This development reminds us that we must think carefully in advance so that we do not end up in a situation we will regret,” Scholz said, referring to the political “hangover” that he said many Austrians are experiencing.
Amid the upcoming German elections on February 23, the chancellor also expressed concern about the growing popularity of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party (AfD), which polls suggest will perform well. While all major German parties have ruled out a coalition with the AfD, concerns about the rise of the far right are central to the election debate.
Political tensions and future coalitions
Sholz confirmed that there are no exceptions for coalitions, including a new partnership with the Free Democratic Party (FDP), despite the rift between them at the end of 2024.
“I have nothing against the FDP. The citizens decide, and we politicians have to deal with the result,“ the chancellor said in an interview with Stern magazine.
However, the FDP faces the risk of failing to pass the 5% electoral threshold, while tensions between other parties, such as the “Greens“ and the Christian Social Union (CSU), are also growing. The dispute deepened after comments by Robert Habeck of the Greens, who accused the CSU of "copying far-right positions."
In response, Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU criticized Habeck as the "face of the crisis in Germany" and pointed out that Scholz's rule had led to a doubling of support for the AfD.
Austrian scenario as a warning sign
What is happening in Austria, where the far-right APS could head the government after the September elections, is a warning signal for Germany, according to political analysts. Current sociological data show that far-right forces in both countries continue to gain popularity, undermining traditional coalition models and increasing tensions among political elites.