A wave of political upheaval is sweeping across Europe, with Austria, Moldova, and Romania facing mounting challenges to their democratic institutions amid allegations of Russian interference and rising populist movements.
Austria’s Far Right Takes Coalition Lead
Austria’s Freedom Party began coalition talks this week that could make it the first radical right party to lead a Western European government since World War II, part of broader political changes across Southeast and Central Europe that could redraw the region’s political map.
Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl, who won 29% of votes in September, stands poised to become chancellor. Kickl opposes European Union sanctions on Russia and uses language reminiscent of Germany’s nationalist past. His rise brought 25,000 Austrians onto Vienna’s streets, carrying signs reading “We don’t want right-wing extremism” and “Never again is now”.
Austria’s conservative People’s Party dropped its opposition to working with Kickl but wants pledges about limiting Russian ties. The party’s new leader Christian Stocker said they need “an honest answer about whether we are aligned with the free world or dictatorships”.
Moldova Loses Gas As Winter Bites
In Moldova, Russian state company Gazprom cut gas supplies to country’s breakaway region of Transnistria on the 1st of January after Ukraine refused to extend a transit agreement. The cutoff left 450,000 people without heating and hot water during winter’s coldest days.
Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean called it an attempt by Moscow to weaken his pro-European government before autumn elections. “Russia continues to use gas as a weapon and once again Moldova is a target of its hybrid warfare,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Romania’s Court Blocks Presidential Vote
Romania’s Constitutional Court took an unprecedented step by cancelling presidential elections after right-wing candidate Călin Georgescu won the first round. The court cited concerns about artificial intelligence use in campaigns and undeclared financing. Thousands now fill Bucharest’s streets demanding the vote continue.
Alliance for Romanian Unity party leader George Simion told reporters: “We are protesting against the coup d’état that took place on 6 December.” Officials scheduled new elections for May 4th.
Moscow and Trump Allies Press From Both Sides
As Putin’s Russia applies pressure from the east through energy cuts and support for separatist regions, Trump-linked figures boost anti-EU parties in Western Europe. Elon Musk spreads messages from these groups, helping build momentum against current European policies.
For Brussels, keeping member states united on issues like Ukraine grows harder by the day. Austria’s Freedom Party pushes to end Russian sanctions, citing Austrian neutrality. Moldova needs EU help with power supplies since its main plant sits in Transnistria. Hungary blocks many EU decisions already, and Slovakia questions Ukraine aid.
An Austrian policy change could create a group of countries seeking closer ties with Moscow.
Voters Warm to Anti-EU Push
Recent polls show growing support for stepping back from Brussels’ policies, especially on Russia. In Austria, the Freedom Party now leads the People’s Party by 10 points – up since September’s election. This rise continues despite – or because of – its anti-sanctions stance.
The appeal seems to mix worries about sanctions hurting wallets with doubts about EU control. More voters see neutrality as a way forward, though critics say this helps Moscow. The next half-year will tell whether street protests can change Austria’s course, if Moldova’s leaders can hold power until autumn elections, and how Romania sorts out its voting crisis. These outcomes will show if Europe stays united or splits into new camps.
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