Haider party loses heavily

By Vaiju Naravane

PARIS, MARCH 26. Racism and xenophobia has failed to pay dividends to Austria's extreme right Freedom Party (FPO) in the municipal elections in Vienna held on Sunday. The populist leader, Mr. Jorg Haider, could not make much of an impact despite a virulently anti-Semitic and anti-foreigner campaign. And although the FPO polled over 20 per cent of the votes, its score was down by over seven per cent since the last elections held in 1996.

For a party which has traditionally built its strength on its position as a vociferous and strident critic of whatever party was in power, its presence in the Government has proved a handicap, especially given the fact that the present right wing coalition has had to push through several unpalatable economic reforms to reduce Austria's budget deficit.

The FPO has often denounced the European Union's dictates. And when it had to submit to the draconian norms laid down by Brussels, it was a difficult pill to swallow. The FPO's performance within the Government has also proved disastrous with three of its Ministers being forced out for sheer incompetence.

The FPO joined the right wing national coalition last February, giving rise to a public outcry and the imposition of sanctions against Austria by the other 14 members of the E.U. These sanctions were quietly dropped two months ago.

The FPO's loss in the Vienna elections has been the Social Democrats' gain. The Green Party too has seen a rise in its vote from 8 per cent to over 12 per cent. Vienna has been governed by the Socialists for almost a century and the present Mayor, Mr. Michael Haupl, is almost certain to retain Vienna City Hall. These elections are the first major test of the Government's popularity before the legislative polls in 2003.

The Popular Party led by the Chancellor, Mr. Wolfgang Schussl, won 15 per cent of the vote, a drop of just 1 per cent since 1996.

Mr. Haider is not expected to change his low-profile strategy. He is reportedly reserving his strength for the legislative polls of 2003.

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Section  : International
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