FPÖ announces autumn offensive against left-wing extremism - press conference!

FPÖ announces autumn offensive against left-wing extremism - press conference!

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., a highly anticipated press conference will take place at the FPÖ Media Center in Vienna. The general secretaries of the FPÖ, NAbg. Michael Schnedlitz and NAbg. Christian Hafenecker, will inform the public about the start of their “autumn offensive”. The theme of this offensive includes combating current left-wing extremism in Austria and a preview of planned parliamentary measures to counter the problem. Access to the media center is possible at the earliest 30 minutes before the start. FPÖ-TV will livestream the press conference and offer a complete recording and a press release with a download link about 45 minutes after the end of the event.

The FPÖ, under Hafenecker's leadership, is facing increasing pressure from left-wing extremist movements and plans to bring them into the focus of political discussion with a series of initiatives. The general secretaries criticize the SPÖ's recent plans to introduce wealth taxes as “left-wing extremist” and argue that these could lead to financial burdens on citizens. Hafenecker in particular warns of new dimensions of left-wing extremism that are developing in Austria and endangering the stability of society.

Increasing violence and radicalization

A recently published report by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution for 2024 highlights the alarming radicalization in the area of ​​left-wing extremism. The report shows a more than 120 percent increase in reported crimes directly linked to left-wing extremist activity. In recent months there has been an increase in violent attacks on political opponents and the police, highlighting the dangers facing society. In particular, organized attacks on party headquarters are addressed in this context. FPÖ left-wing extremism spokesman Sebastian Schwaighofer expresses concern about the infiltration of society and the media by extremist ideas and warns of possible scenarios similar to those currently being observed in countries such as France and Great Britain.

Additionally, the reports show a worrying ideological closeness between far-left and Islamist groups. Both milieus participate in anti-imperialist narratives and show solidarity, for example, with organizations such as Hamas or the PKK. In this context, the role of left-wing extremist activists in recent climate protests, which often turn into violence and sabotage, is also discussed.

Political reactions and social effects

The reactions from the FPÖ and its politicians are clear. Videos published by the FPÖ youth agitate against so-called “rainbow terror” and “population exchange”. Such content elicits mixed reactions; While constitutional spokeswoman Susanne Fürst describes this term as factual, critics are alarmed by the party's rhetoric. Hafenecker defends the depiction of historical events, such as the “Hitler Balcony,” in the context of the video as historically relevant.

The FPÖ calls for a tough legal response to all forms of violence and extremism, regardless of the political orientation of the perpetrators. Given the current political challenges and the discontent among many sections of the population, the FPÖ plans to pursue its issues aggressively in order to position itself as the party of security and stability. This is happening against the backdrop of a polarized political landscape that leaves room for extremist ideologies.

The upcoming press conference on Tuesday could therefore be the starting signal for an intensive political debate about the challenges of left-wing extremism in Austria, which will attract the attention of both voters and political observers.

For further information and details about the press conference, please visit the coverage of OTS, The press and FPÖ.