The 2012 Austrian Election Interlude: The rise of Frank Stronach and more ...

[mileslunn]

New OGM poll for "Kurier", usually the best poll out there:

29% FPÖ
28% SPÖ
23% ÖVP
13% Greens
  5% BZÖ
  2% Others



Direct vote for Chancellor:

24% Faymann (SPÖ)
18% Spindelegger (ÖVP)
16% Strache (FPÖ)

http://kurier.at/nachrichten/2103786.php

Is it actually possible that either party would form a coalition with the FPO.  And likewise how would the EU react to this as they have always taken a strong stance against parties on the far right. 

[mileslunn]

Tyrol state poll
Remarkable result for a conservative stronghold:

Future of the Hypo Tyrol Bank
41% Keep it 100% state property
26% The State of Tyrol should keep the majority of shares
22% Privatization

Not totally surprising.  Outside the US, it seems a lot generally oppose privatization even in areas the government has no business being in.  As a side note Bayern LB in Germany is 94% government owned, the highest of the landesbanks and in the most conservative state and likewise here in Canada, Alberta is the only province with a government owned bank and also the most conservative province.  Is this the only state with a government owned banks or are there others?

Also on a different topic why is the FPO doing so well.  Is there a rise in racism like in other countries or are people just fed up with the status quo.  And also where is the majority of their support coming from?