Kurz, who rose to political prominence in Austria as foreign minister by taking a hard line on refugee policy, has proved the theory wrong. In last fall’s election, he took the center-right Austrian People’s Party from third to first place by focusing its message squarely on migration, an issue that had been the bread and butter of Europe’s populists for a generation. [...]
Instead of adopting far-right rhetoric with its neo-fascist overtones, Kurz focused on policy. His efforts in 2016 to close the main migration route for refugees through the Balkans towards northern Europe made him a hero at home, all the more so given that he did so in the face of stiff resistance from Europe’s most powerful politician, Chancellor Merkel. [...]
Even if Merkel succeeds in building another coalition with the Social Democrats, few doubt she has entered the twilight of her political career. While there is no obvious successor waiting in the wings, the younger generation of leaders in her party is decidedly more conservative than the chancellor, who many in the party believe has taken it too far to the left. [...]
Though he says he supports reforming the bloc, Kurz opposes the idea of a two-speed Europe put forth by Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. Instead, he has aligned himself with Central European countries that want more emphasis on national sovereignty. With Austria set to take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of this year, when the reform debate will be in full swing, Kurz is likely to be an important voice.
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