Is Austria another problem for Europe?

Norbert Hofer has won the first turn of the Presidential Elections in Austria. He is the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) and the direct successor of Jörg Haider, died in 2008.

FPO is an anti-European and xenophobic party, strong opponent of Brussels and of the European policies for the refugees.

If Hofer wins the second turn (22nd May), Austria will become another problem for Europe, after Poland and Hungary. 

There are two elements to highlight in this election.

First, once again, electorate is more oriented to vote for not-traditional parties.

The Socialist and the Popular party, that lead Austria since the II world war, got 11% of the votes. There is a need of change that unbelievably the traditional parties are not able to issue. It is the same situation in many countries also bigger as Italy and Spain. Changing the leadership and the structure of those parties, could be the first step for the change of the political scenario.

Second, Europe is probably crossing the worst phaseo of her recent history. 

It is clear that the situation has it is now, it is destined to blow up.

Over all, the shortsightedness of the European leadership is disarming, as usual.

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Is Finland the new sick man of Europe?

In the last quarter, as indicated by Eurostat, all the European Countries have seen increasing their GDP except four: Portugal (0%), Estonia (-0.5%), Greece (-0,5%) and Finland (-0.6%).

The case of Finland, in particular, is worrying and needs to be highlighted.

Helsinki is crossing the worst economic crisis since many years and the outlook for the future is not encouraging. The Minister of Finance himself has defined Finland as "the new sick man of Europe".

There are three main causes of this situation: the crisis of the most important Finnish company, Nokia; the economic weakness of Russia (main importer of Finnish goods) and the high cost of labor.

The ageing population and the difficulties to make labor reforms don't allow to expect a better situation in the imminent future.

Two considerations about Finland.

First, the case of Finland is another sign of a general problem in Europe. Everybody has to follow rigid economic policies that don't consider the differences between one Country and another. But at the same time, nobody can depreciate the value of the currency. The result is a paralysis that can be solved or with a European economic policy or breaking Euro. 

Second, Finland had a strong position against a common policy for the refugees. Another contradiction in Europe: support from Brussels is very welcome, but solidarity is not contemplated.

It is Europe herself to be sick.

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