Even so, according to polls, the FPÖ will do still better if snap elections are held. Kronen Zeitung, Austria’s largest-circulation tabloid, published a poll on January 5th that put the FPÖ at 37% of the vote, which would give them around 40% of the seats in parliament. That should focus the minds of the ÖVP ’s negotiators. ■

The leader of Austria’s Freedom Party received a mandate Monday to form a new government, which would be the first headed by the far right since World War II if he succeeds.

Political developments are sounding alarm bells in Austria. Critics worry the man asked to form government could bring back the country's dark past. Nathaniel Dove explores the roots of the political party in question and what the change could mean for the country and Europe.