Herbert Kickl: School days, beer and the path to becoming FPÖ boss!

Herbert Kickl: School days, beer and the path to becoming FPÖ boss!

In the last few weeks, the Austrian political world has once again caused a stir. The coalition negotiations between the FPÖ and the ÖVP failed. Herbert Kickl, the Freedom Party leader, was declared “will-not-chancellor”, while ÖVP club leader Wöginger emphasized his ambivalent status as “but-not-chancellor” after negotiations broke down at a critical point. While he continues to enjoy beer with party friends at events such as “Blue Ash Wednesday”, his counterpart Christian Stocker is celebrating successes with new coalition partners such as the Greens and Neos, emphasized Krone.at.

Kickl's time as a student and personal assessments

However, the discussion about Kickl also extends to his school days. Former classmates remember him as a “quick drinker” and raved about his interest in the Foreign Legion. Kickl, who went to elementary school in Radenthein and took his high school diploma in Spittal an der Drau, is described by his peers as a very self-confident speaker who shows little tolerance for other opinions. Remarkably, the topic of the Foreign Legion came up: this special unit of the French army recruits foreign volunteers and has a unique reputation for discipline and combat readiness. Kickl has been referred to as the "No. 1 expert on international military matters," further drawing public attention to his past vol.at reported.

The political scene remains tense while citizens follow developments with interest. This could have far-reaching consequences not only for Kickl, but also for his political ambitions.