FPÖ: Attack on Austria's neutrality - Prince raises the alarm!

FPÖ: Attack on Austria's neutrality - Prince raises the alarm!

Österreich - On June 8, 2025, Dr. Susanne Fürst, the FPÖ's foreign policy, European and neutrality spokeswoman, clearly against the statements of the Neos Secretary of State Beate Meinl-Reisinger. In a recent interview, it had classified the neutrality that was always anchored in the constitution as not politically neutral. Fürst sharply criticized this statement and described it as inaccessible and part of a "salami tactic" of the system parties, which would undermine the country's neutrality and sovereignty. The constant neutrality, she emphasized, has been a foundation for security, prosperity, peace and freedom in Austria since 1955.

In the debate about neutrality, prince of the government, in particular the "loser ambulance" and the previous black-green government, accused not to respect this essential component of Austrian foreign policy. A central point of her criticism is the recent invitation of the Ukrainian President Selenskyj, which she sees as a violation of neutrality. Prince warned that a hollowing out neutrality could endanger the future of the country and demanded a government that treats these values ​​prioritarian - and only sees this with the FPÖ as possible. The FPÖ sees the constant neutrality as the top guideline in its foreign policy.

Criticism of Foreign Minister

Meinl-Reisinger, on the other hand, described FPÖ's understanding of neutrality as constitutionally absurd and irresponsible. She believes that the population has long understood that neutrality alone does not offer sufficient protection. In order to prove this position, Fürst referred to an OGM survey, which shows that 82 percent of Austrians find the “constant neutrality” to be identified. This strong commitment to neutrality would therefore not only exist during a crisis, but also represent the basis for the social structure in Austria.

Prince also pointed out that a wrong assessment of neutrality and the neutrality law was due to ignorance of the current international framework. In the context of the current political landscape, she criticized the systematic undermining of neutrality policy by the coalizing government, which had already started under the previous government. This criticism is also reflected in the recent political developments in which the FPÖ demands a stronger return to neutrality.

dimensions and history of neutrality

The special role of Austrian neutrality is to be understood in its historical context and in three dimensions. Martin Senn describes the aspects of interpretation, attractiveness and deterrent in neutrality policy. The interpretation includes the domestic discussion about neutrality, while the attractiveness takes action to ensure neutrality externally, such as mediation in conflicts or the accommodation of international organizations. Ducking, on the other hand, means preventing potential aggressors from violating neutrality.

• consolidation (1955) : start with the neutrality law, independence of permanent neutrality.
• expansion (1970s to 1980s) : intensive engagement in world politics.
• REARITATION : focus on European environment after the east-west conflict, including accession to the EU and NATO partnership for peace.
• stagnation since the mid-2000s : All parliamentary parties are committed to neutrality, but there is a de-policity of the topic.

The current political debate thus underlines the deeply anchored importance of neutrality for the national identity of Austria. In a return to these principles, the FPÖ sees the basis for a stable and safe future of the country. It remains to be seen how the political landscape and public opinion on this essential question will develop in the coming months.

Further information on the topic can be found in the articles of ots, FPÖ and on the parliamentary portal.