Kickl‘s signing “on behalf of Austria amounts to political arrogance. He does not represent Austria in any official capacity to the outside world,” criticized ÖVP General Secretary Christian Stocker on Friday. Green Party leader Sigrid Maurer also emphasized: “Herbert Kickl can’t sign anything for Austria.”
According to the original text, the declaration signed on Thursday in Vienna is a summary of the most important principles of the FPÖ and Orbán‘s right-wing national party Fidesz regarding Europe. The first sentence states: “Hungary and Austria hereby reaffirm their neighborly friendship as well as their historically and culturally determined unshakable bond.”
“Kickl doesn’t care about the democratic process at all”
Stocker explained in a broadcast that the signature shows that “he (Kickl, note) doesn’t care at all about the democratic process, because even without a government mandate he signed the so-called ‘Vienna Declaration‘ with Viktor Orbán on behalf of the whole of Austria. He puts his policy of arrogance and provocation continues.” Maurer added on .”
Stocker also criticized the fact that “the EU flag was put away” during Orbán’s visit to National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) in the parliament’s reception room. This shows the “comprehensive contempt for Austria and the EU that Kickl shows here,” said Stocker, who also accused the FPÖ leader of “disrespecting our state symbols.” “For example, he’s been walking around with the Peru flag on his suit lapel for months – the stripes on the Austrian flag are, by definition, horizontal.” According to Kickl, it is a “Fortress Austria pin”.
Kogler’s resignation demanded
FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker, however, called for the resignation of Civil Service Minister Werner Kogler (Greens). In a broadcast, he called on Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) to “immediately suggest the dismissal of Federal Minister Kogler” to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. The reason for this are “Kogler’s statements and the worst insults” against Orbán. At a press conference in Vienna, Kogler described Orbán as, among other things, an “anti-democrat, anti-European and Putin-understander.” Orbán has dismantled democracy since he came to power, but at the same time “he is not embarrassed about pocketing billions,” said Kogler. Hafenecker identified an affront that “caused serious damage to Austria’s prestige and reputation.”
Maurer, for her part, rejected calls for Kogler to resign. “In the world of the FPÖ there is no freedom of expression,” she said. But it’s like this: “Anyone who meets with anti-democrats, demagogues and kleptocrats who exploit their own people and ruin the country has to endure criticism.”
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Anna Weber on the Vienna Declaration**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Weber. Recently, the Vienna Declaration was signed by Herbert Kickl of the FPÖ and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. What are the implications of this declaration for Austria’s position in the EU?
**Dr. Weber:** Thank you for having me. The signing of the Vienna Declaration is quite significant. It not only reinforces the ties between the FPÖ and Orbán’s Fidesz party but also creates tension within Austria’s political landscape. Critics, including figures from the ÖVP and the Greens, argue that Kickl’s actions reflect a disregard for democratic processes. By signing on behalf of Austria, he oversteps his bounds, leading to concerns about national representation.
**Interviewer:** The backlash has been quite strong, with leaders from other parties expressing their discontent. How does this criticism affect Kickl’s legitimacy as a political leader?
**Dr. Weber:** The criticism certainly undermines Kickl’s legitimacy, especially when prominent leaders such as Sigrid Maurer emphasize that he doesn’t represent Austria officially. Statements from ÖVP General Secretary Christian Stocker indicate a growing perception of Kickl as politically arrogant. This could alienate moderate voters and amplify divisions within the electorate, potentially impacting future elections.
**Interviewer:** Another notable point is the removal of the EU flag during Orbán’s visit. How does this act resonate with the broader dynamics of EU relations?
**Dr. Weber:** Removing the EU flag is a symbolic gesture that can be interpreted as a rejection of EU values, which is particularly alarming in the current political climate. It reflects an attitude of contempt towards both national and European symbols, as pointed out by Stocker. Such actions can strain Austria’s relationships within the EU and may lead to questions about Austria’s commitment to European unity.
**Interviewer:** There have also been calls from the FPÖ for the resignation of Civil Service Minister Werner Kogler due to his sharp criticism of Orbán. What does this say about the current political discourse in Austria?
**Dr. Weber:** The calls for Kogler’s resignation highlight the polarized nature of the political discourse in Austria. Kogler’s comments about Orbán being anti-democratic resonate with many who are concerned about the state of democracy in Hungary, but they also provoke strong reactions from the FPÖ. This cycle of insults and demands for resignations signals a deepening rift and indicates that constructive dialogue is becoming increasingly difficult.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, where does Austria go from here in light of these developments?
**Dr. Weber:** Austria will need to navigate these political tensions carefully. It’s crucial for the government to reaffirm its commitment to both democratic processes and European values while engaging in dialogue with dissenting voices within the political sphere. If parties can find common ground, there may be a pathway to reducing polarization, but it won’t be easy given the current landscape.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Weber, for your insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. Weber:** Thank you for having me.
