The ex-minister, who lives in Russia, explained her very own theory on the YouTube channel “Haus des Poets” as to why, in her view, it was no coincidence that Adolf Hitler was an Austrian, as the “Kleine Zeitung” (online) reports.
In the interview, the 59-year-old says that it is no coincidence “why Hitler came from Austria and why the main Gestapo leaders were from Austria.” “It’s this mixture of small-mindedness, envy and a huge inferiority complex,” said Kneissl. While she attests that Austria has an inferiority complex, France – where, according to her, she fled in 2022 because the hostility in Austria became too great for her – has a superiority complex. Quite similar to Russia, by the way, says Kneissl.
“There is therefore no place for totalitarian thinking in Russian minds – but there is in Central European minds,” said the former foreign minister, who, as foreign minister, danced with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin at her wedding in Styria in 2018 and curtsied to him drew international criticism for this. In contrast to the great Russia, there is almost a feeding envy in the many small states of Europe, said Kneissl.
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Karin Kneissl husband
**Interview with Karin Kneissl: Reflections on Historical Roots and Cultural Complexes**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Kneissl. Your recent comments on the cultural dynamics in Austria and their historical implications have stirred quite a discussion. Can you elaborate on your theory regarding Adolf Hitler’s Austrian origins?
**Karin Kneissl:** Thank you for having me. Yes, I believe it is vital to understand the psychological and cultural context of a place. Austria’s historical complexities have fostered a certain small-mindedness, envy, and significant inferiority complex. This mix potentially contributed to the rise of figures like Hitler and the prominence of individuals within the Nazi regime from Austria.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a comparison between Austria and France, highlighting a superiority complex in the latter. How do you see these traits influencing their respective political landscapes?
**Karin Kneissl:** Absolutely. In my view, this inferiority complex in Austria fosters a unique kind of resentment and bitterness that can lead to extreme ideologies. In contrast, France’s superiority complex often manifests as a form of elitism, which can, in turn, alienate others. Similarly, I see traits of both complexes in Russia, where the historical context allows for a very different outlook on totalitarian ideologies.
**Interviewer:** Following your controversial past as Austria’s foreign minister, including your notable dance with President Putin, how do you perceive the international reactions to your ties with Russia?
**Karin Kneissl:** That dance was a personal moment that became politicized. I think the stark reactions reveal a lot about Austria’s current political climate and its self-image in relation to larger powers. There’s an envy towards Russia’s historical context and, paradoxically, a fear of its influence.
**Interviewer:** Given your experiences and perspectives, what steps do you think Austria and similar nations need to take moving forward?
**Karin Kneissl:** It’s essential for countries like Austria to engage in self-reflection and address these underlying complexes. Open dialogue and education about our past can foster a healthier national identity. Only by confronting these traits can we hope to prevent history from repeating itself.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Ms. Kneissl. It’s enlightening to hear your perspective on such complex issues.
**Karin Kneissl:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for us to engage in these conversations, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.
