Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) won the national elections with 28.8% of votes, surpassing the ruling conservative People’s Party (OVP) at 26.3%. Despite this historic victory, the FPO faces challenges in forming a coalition as all other parties reject partnering with the Eurosceptic, Russia-friendly party. Led by the polarizing Herbert Kickl, the FPO’s rise reflects broader European trends of far-right gains amid voter discontent over migration, the economy, and COVID-19 restrictions. Kickl expressed readiness to form a government with any party, but coalition prospects remain uncertain.