ÖVP threatens FPÖ coalition: Can we save Austria?

ÖVP threatens FPÖ coalition: Can we save Austria?

The political situation in Austria is becoming increasingly tense as the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl has the opportunity to take over the government. The Greens warn urgently of the far-reaching consequences of such a coalition. Loud ots.at The ÖVP could hand over crucial ministries such as the constitution, police and media to the FPÖ, which would threaten dangerous right-wing influence. Olga Voglauer, General Secretary of the Green Party, emphasizes that the ÖVP is questioning its own announcements that it will never form a coalition with Kickl and is endangering the basis of Austrian democracy.

The concerns of the population

Uncertainty among the population is growing, and the Greens have launched a participatory campaign to mobilize citizens. This action calls on ÖVP mayors and representatives to oppose a coalition with the right-wing extremist FPÖ. “It’s not too late to turn back,” said Voglauer. The strengthening of the FPÖ in the government could also have international implications, as Kickl sees Hungarian politics under Viktor Orban as a role model tagesschau.de reported.

The discussion about a possible “Orbanization” of Austria is in full swing. While the FPÖ under Kickl is striving for an aggressive civil policy, the question arises whether Austria could end up on a similar path to Hungary. Critics warn that although the FPÖ does not have a two-thirds majority in parliament, it could still restrict rights and freedoms in the cultural sector. There is growing concern, particularly in the arts and culture scene, about possible state discrimination against unauthorized forms of cultural expression, as is the case in Hungary. Kickl has already shown a negative attitude towards the government's current cultural policy in the past.