Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar has expressed concern over the prospect of far-right Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) leading the next federal government, calling on it to respect EU values.

Austria is one of a growing number of EU members set to have a far-right party in government after the centre-right Austrian People’s Party (OVP) agreed to open negotiations on taking part in a government led by the FPÖ, which was formed by Austrian Nazis after the Second World War. 

“I hope that the new government will understand what the European Union means and what its values are,” Pirc Musar said in an interview with Austrian news agency APA during a trip to Vienna.

Pirc Musar voiced unease about the possibility of an FPÖ-ÖVP coalition in Austria. “I have to admit that I am worried,” she said, adding that Slovenia is “understandably a little more sensitive” about Austria due to their shared border.

She pointed to the FPÖ’s past under its former leader Jörg Haider. “The past of this party is like that,” she said, referring to controversial remarks made by Haider about Slovenia. However, she acknowledged that some recent statements from FPÖ figures about Slovenia had been more positive and expressed hope the party would embrace “21st-century politics”.

Following the inauguration of the new US president, Pirc Musar called for a strong European response to Donald Trump’s past claims on Greenland. "If that falls, as has already happened in Ukraine, the domino effect can spread quickly,” she said

She warned that many populist leaders are “waiting in line” for such precedents, urging Europe to stand firm even when dealing with allies.

Addressing recent suggestions of an EU military presence in Greenland, Pirc Musar remarked that neither Denmark nor Greenland could defend the island alone. 

Pirc Musar drew parallels between Trump’s annexation ambitions and a proposal by Mario Kunasek (FPÖ), governor of Austria’s Styrian region, to enshrine the province’s controversial 19th-century anthem in the regional constitution. The lyrics refer to territories that have been part of Slovenia for more than a century. 

Pirc Musar likened the plan to Trump’s attempt to buy Greenland.

“I hope they don’t mean that seriously … I sincerely hope that the Styrian governor will not implement this. This will certainly not be well received in Slovenia,” she warned. 

Pirc Musar also called for stronger protections for the Slovene minority in Austria, particularly in education. “We hope that the Slovene minority will not only fear for its existence but can enjoy life to the fullest with its own culture, language and education.”

The Slovenian leader noted that her country is “surrounded by right-wing governments”, citing Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia. She expressed concern over Slovenia’s own populist opposition, comparing the Democratic Party (SDS) led by former prime minister Janez Janša to the FPÖ, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the US Republican Party under Trump.

“I can’t say that I’m not worried,” she said, referring to Slovenia’s general election next year.