When the People's Party and the Freedom Party formed a coalition government, massive domestic and international cries of protest erupted, beginning in Vienna and echoing throughout Europe. Some EU members threatened to sever ties with Austria entirely. The bulk of the criticism was focused on Freedom Party leader and alleged Nazi sympathizer Joerg Haider. Resigning his position as party head in late February, Haider retained his post as the governor of Austria's southern province of Carinthia.
Most member nations of the EU lifted sanctions against Austria. The 14 nations (in addition to the U.S. and Israel) that had cut off bilateral diplomatic relations restored contact with Austria.
