A result that could announce the return of Sebastian Kurz to the Austrian Chancellery. Four months after having to leave office following the resounding scandal of the Ibizagate, Mr. Kurz has managed his bet: his conservative and liberal party (the Austrian People's Party or Österreichische Volkspartei (ÖVP)), gets 37.2% votes, even improving its 2017 score by almost six points, according to the projections of public television ÖRF.
Its first government, formed in 2017 in coalition with the far-right party FPÖ, had not resisted compromising revelations for the head of the FPÖ and number two of the government. He imploded in May, after 18 months of mandate, leading to the holding of these early elections.
The Austrians sanctioned the FPÖ for this scandal that tarnished the image of their country: the nationalist party would lose about 10 points compared to the 2017 poll, to about 16%. He comes behind the Social Democrats who take second place with about 22% of the vote.
In a campaign in which climate issues have replaced the migratory issue that dominated the legislative elections of 2017, the Greens registered a meteoric rise: out of parliament with less than 4% of the vote two years ago, they make a triumphant return with 13% and 14% of the vote according to projections.
The liberal party NEOS is the fifth formation to integrate the new parliament, about 7% of the vote.
Former Chancellor Kurz now faces tough negotiations in his quest for allies to govern.
With AFP