Tyrol FPÖ leader sees chance for absolute majority, praises Kurz

Markus Abwerzger, the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) in Tyrol, sees a strong possibility for the FPÖ to secure 40% of the vote or even an absolute majority in the upcoming national election. He believes such a result is realistic and necessary to prevent what he terms a "four-party coalition of losers," which would likely include the Green Party.

Abwerzger expressed optimism about the FPÖ's prospects, anticipating they will perform "far ahead" in the national election scheduled for 2029. He suggested that if the party achieves a landslide victory, potentially reaching 40% or more, the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) might reconsider its stance and be more open to "far-reaching reforms." He referenced comments from Andreas Khol, a former ÖVP National Council president, who suggested the current governing parties might need a fourth partner, implying the ÖVP's potential shift.

Regarding former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Abwerzger believes Kurz might not return to lead the ÖVP but could potentially form his own list. Despite ongoing investigations against Kurz, Abwerzger considers him a "sensible coalition partner" and appreciates that Kurz reportedly regrets the collapse of the 2019 coalition with the FPÖ. Abwerzger does not believe Kurz poses a significant electoral threat to the FPÖ.

Abwerzger also lauded FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, stating Kickl "did everything right" by ending coalition negotiations with the ÖVP in 2019. He believes Kickl recognized that the ÖVP intended to continue with the status quo, whereas the FPÖ aims for a "different kind of politics." Abwerzger expressed confidence that Kickl's era as "Volkskanzler" (people's chancellor) will begin by 2029.