Regional elections see seismic shift to Blue

The ruling Christian Democrats (ÖVP) won the regional election which took place in the Upper Austria region on 27 September 2015. However, the party registered a substantial drop in its support. The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) came second in the results, almost doubling its regional seats when compared to the previous election.

Analysts connected FPÖ's electoral success with the migrant and refugee crisis hitting Austria and Europe. Upper Austria region is considered to be the country's industrial heartland.

EurActiv, 28.09.15: Austrian far-right party gets electoral boost from migrant crisis http://www.euractiv.com/sections/elections/austrian-far-right-party-gets-electoral-boost-migrant-crisis-318000

Euronews, 27.09.15: Migrants a ‘key factor’ as far-right makes gains in Austria election http://www.euronews.com/2015/09/27/migrants-a-key-factor-as-far-right-makes-gains-in-austria/

Deutsche Welle, 27.09.15: Austrian right makes huge poll gains over migrant fears http://dw.com/p/1GeOS

Sputnik International, 27.09.15: Right-Wing Party Comes Second After Conservative Party at Austria Elections http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150927/1027624613.html

ESO: Background information: One year into office, Austria’s grand coalition is under pressure from the growing popularity of the far-right Freedom Party http://www.europeansources.info/record/one-year-into-office-austrias-grand-coalition-is-under-pressure-from-the-growing-popularity-of-the-far-right-freedom-party/

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