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Brussels were finally breathing easy after both the Dutch and French elections this year passed without deeply eurosceptic Geert Wilders or Marine Le Pen securing victory. EU officials warned a win for populism could put the entire union at threat, and the bloc be torn apart if countries follow in Britain’s footsteps with Brexit. But now a new threat is looming following the dramatic collapse of Austria’s government.

GETTY EU officials warned a win for populism could put the entire union at threat

GETTY Norbert Hofer will be attempting to snatch more votes in the early election

The Freedom Party is riding high in the polls - and could take power if it forms a coalition after elections on October 15. Dutch, French, British and German general elections have already battered the Brussels elite with the European Union being forced to row back on some of its most outlandish ideas. Now the Alpine republic, one of the first to erect a razor wire fence during the migrant crisis, will decide its future course on immigration, labour and social policy this October. The next election was originally due to be held in autumn 2018, but the government collapsed after months of statements disagreements over reform policies.

Geert Wilders: These are the Party for Freedom leader's policies Wed, February 8, 2017 Noteworthy policies that Geert Wilders mentions in his party program. Play slideshow 1 of 14

And the Freedom Party, founded in 1955 by former Nazis amongst other, hope to take advantage of the chaos. According to a poll from Neuwal, the party previously had polling highs of almost 35 per cent at the end of last year, although has since dropped to just above 25 point. The Social Democrats party are just a point ahead, tied with the rival People’s party, in a sign Austria will need to form a coalition government to rule.

GETTY Both Geert Wilders or Marine Le Pen failed to secure victory

GETTY Eurosceptic Norbert Hofer has caused controversy in Austria