On Monday, representatives of the SPÖ, the Greens and Neos spoke out to warn of the consequences.
Green Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler and Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) fear the same situation in Hungary. The FPÖ’s role model is Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who politicized the judiciary and destroyed the independent media step by step. If the FPÖ were in government, an attack on democratic institutions would be expected, said Kogler. In addition, there would be Putin-friendly reactions and flirting with Öxit.
Burgenland’s governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SP) also commented on the question of whether a firewall against the FPÖ was right. He said it would be difficult at the federal political level – especially with the current leadership – to form a coalition with the Freedom Party. “But you can’t put the Freedom Party’s voters – and there will be a lot of them – in the right-wing corner,” he said. SP federal manager Klaus Seltenheim made it clear that the SPÖ was a “firewall” against right-wing extremists.
Neos leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger called for a distinction to be made between right-wing and right-wing extremist. The FPÖ is right-wing extremist in parts, she said, and spoke out in favor of a reform coalition without the FPÖ.
FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker mocked the warnings against the FPÖ. The party has been part of Austrian party life for decades. The “firewall” is little more than “the last straw” to mobilize voters.
ePaper
Concerns over FPÖ’s Rise in Austria: A Threat to Democratic Institutions?
Austrian politics has been shaken by the recent European elections, with the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) emerging as the leading force, securing 25.5% of the votes and 6 seats in the European Parliament[[[[[[[[2]. This outcome has sparked concerns among Austrian politicians, who fear that the FPÖ’s rise to power could lead to an attack on democratic institutions, similar to the situation in Hungary.
Warnings from SPÖ, Greens, and Neos
Representatives from the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), the Greens, and Neos have spoken out against the FPÖ, warning of the consequences of its growing influence. Green Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler and Justice Minister Alma Zadic fear that the FPÖ’s rise to power could lead to the politicization of the judiciary and the destruction of independent media, as seen in Hungary[[[[[[[[1].
Burgenland’s governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SP) has also expressed concerns, stating that it would be difficult to form a coalition with the FPÖ at the federal political level, especially with the current leadership[[[[[[[[3]. SP federal manager Klaus Seltenheim has emphasized that the SPÖ is a “firewall” against right-wing extremists.
FPÖ’s Reaction
FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker has dismissed the warnings, stating that the party has been part of Austrian party life for decades and that the “firewall” is merely a last-ditch effort to mobilize voters.
The Consequences of an FPÖ Government
The FPÖ’s role model, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has been criticized for politicizing the judiciary and destroying independent media step by step. If the FPÖ were to come to power in Austria, similar concerns would arise. Additionally, the party’s Putin-friendly stance and flirtation with Öxit (Austria’s exit from the EU) have raised eyebrows among European leaders.
As Austria navigates the consequences of the European elections, one thing is clear: the rise of the FPÖ has sparked a heated debate about the future of democracy in Austria and the potential consequences of right-wing extremism in power.
Austria far-right
Austria’s Far-Right Freedom Party: A Threat to Democratic Institutions?
As Austria prepares for its general election on September 29, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) is leading in opinion polls, sparking concerns among politicians and citizens alike. The party’s programme, which includes a ban on political Islam, has resonated with a significant portion of the Austrian population, with polls suggesting they could win up to 30% of the vote [[2]]. However, critics argue that the FPÖ’s ideology poses a threat to democratic institutions and could lead to a deterioration of Austria’s democratic standards.
Concerns over Democratic Institutions
Representatives of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), the Greens, and Neos have warned of the consequences of an FPÖ-led government, citing the party’s role model, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been accused of politicizing the judiciary and destroying independent media [[1]]. Green Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler and Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) fear that the FPÖ’s rise to power could lead to a similar situation in Austria, with an attack on democratic institutions and Putin-friendly reactions.
The Firewall Against Right-Wing Extremism
Burgenland’s governor, Hans Peter Doskozil (SP), has questioned the feasibility of forming a coalition with the FPÖ, citing the party’s extremist ideology. However, he also cautioned against demonizing FPÖ voters, who will likely make up a significant portion of the electorate. SP federal manager Klaus Seltenheim has reiterated that the SPÖ is a “firewall” against right-wing extremists, while Neos leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger called for a distinction to be made between right-wing and right-wing extremist ideologies.
FPÖ’s Response to Criticism
FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker has dismissed concerns over the party’s ideology, arguing that they have been part of Austrian party life for decades. He sees the warnings against the FPÖ as a “last straw” to mobilize voters.
The Rise of Far-Right Parties in Europe
Austria is not alone in its struggle with far-right parties. Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) recently won a historic victory in eastern Germany, and similar parties have gained traction in other European countries [[2]]. As the European political landscape continues to shift, it remains to be seen whether Austria’s FPÖ will follow in the footsteps of other far-right parties that have successfully tapped into anti-immigrant and anti-establishment sentiments.
Conclusion
As Austria prepares for its general election, the Freedom Party’s ideology has become a central concern. While the party’s programme may resonate with some voters, critics argue that it poses a threat to democratic institutions and could lead to a deterioration of Austria’s democratic standards. As the political landscape continues to shift, it is essential to remain vigilant and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.
References:
