Criticism of FPÖ: Selenskyj visit endangers Austria's neutrality!

Criticism of FPÖ: Selenskyj visit endangers Austria's neutrality!

Wien, Österreich - On June 16, 2025, the upcoming state visit by the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj in Austria excited the minds. While the FPÖ around its federal party chairman Herbert Kickl wants to scandalize a visit as a dangerous provocation in terms of Austrian neutrality, the People's Party, represented by its general secretary Nico Marchetti, criticizes this perspective. Marchetti emphasizes that neutrality does not mean isolation and that peace, even with both parties to the conflict, must be created. This position is particularly significant, since the People's Party in the past came into dialogue with both Russia and Ukraine.

Kickl, on the other hand, sees the upcoming visit as irresponsible and as a threatening security risk for Austria. He fears that it could become a "possible target", which would endanger the security of the population. In his criticism, he goes so far to say that the government makes the country the country a “political puppet of foreign interests” through this visit. He also describes the financial aspects of the visit as "mockery towards all taxpayers", especially in the current economic situation.

neutrality debate

The debate about the neutrality of Austria and its injury is not new. Kickl referred to a "chain of neutrality injuries" and recalled earlier incidents, such as Selenskyj's video message in the National Council and the controversial Ukraine trip of the NEOS Foreign Minister. He calls for clearer positions against one -sided foreign policy productions and warns that Austria should "never be in an international conflict".

In this context, it is important to mention that the Austrian State Treaty of 1955 anchored the constant neutrality as part of national law. This says that the state must not enter into military alliances and always has to maintain neutrality. The neutral states also have rights and obligations that are set in international law. This neutrality law requires that Austria keeps out from military conflicts and ensures independence and integrity of the state area, which is also of great importance for interior and foreign policy design.

diplomacy as a key to solution

Marchetti, on the other hand, advocates a different perspective: Diplomacy, he emphasizes, is of central importance, especially in times of crisis. Changes in world politics required flexible answers, and the dialogue with both sides is essential for a peaceful solution. The criticism of the FPÖ, which wants to withdraw to a "fortress Austria", shows that an isolated attitude has no future. Talks are necessary to make progress and ultimately promote peace.

dealing with Austrian neutrality and political visits not only raises questions about the current international situation, but also on the historical perspective and the obligations associated with neutrality. The discussion remains tense, while the political landscape is developing in both Austria and internationally.

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