Freedom celebrations in Graz: Kunasek and Kickl in focus

Freedom celebrations in Graz: Kunasek and Kickl in focus

In Styria, the elections are just around the corner and the political parties have prepared for the last days of the election campaign. On Thursday evening it was the FPÖ that was the first big party to celebrate its campaign in Graz. The event took place in the soap factory, where Herbert Kickl , the federal party leader, stirred the drum for the top candidate Mario Kunasek . Under the motto "Now more so", he called on the voters to send protest votes against the current government formation in order to "issue a lesson in Vienna".

Kickl, known for his direct manner, gave a speech over 40-minute speech in which he denounced the “lust of power” by the other parties. His words were particularly directed against Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen , which he referred to as "coupler" because he had refused the order for government formation. However, this apparent setback does not prevent Kickl from looking optimistically into the future.

election forecasts and expectations

"I hope for a thunderbolt on Sunday," said Kickl, in the expectation that a strong result of the FPÖ in Styria could have an impact on federal politics. Kickl sees this as a possibility to bring about "the end of Karl Nehammer" as party leader and Chancellor. Despite ongoing coalition negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS, Kickl was motivated and confident that the “People's Chancellor” project was only at the beginning. Mario Kunasek, who leads the Styrian FPÖ, was praised by him as a "great electoral campaign locomotive".

Kunasek himself also commented on victory and asked his officials to fight for a result that would shake the coalition negotiators in the Palais Epstein. He emphasized the need to come to work on Monday after the elections and told of large issues such as health care, transport policy and integration that are important for voters.

The FPÖ sees good chances, according to surveys, to become the strongest strength even in this state election after the National Council election. During the election campaign, the financial scandal mentioned, which affects some FPÖ members, remained largely unaffected.

protests against the FPÖ

The campaign event of the FPÖ was accompanied by protests. Around a hundred people took part in a demonstration under the motto "Now even more: not against the right", which was organized by various groups, including the "Grandma's Against Right". These actions show that the political tensions in the region are high.

While the FPÖ held its event, other parties are also preparing for their campaigns. ÖVP, SPÖ, Greens and Neos have planned their own events to present their messages and candidates. The KPÖ already organized an "election finals information stand" on the Graz main square on Thursday afternoon.

The coming days are crucial, while the voters of voters in Styria are counted. The results will be decisive for what the political landscape in the region could look like and what effects this will have on federal politics. Details on the current developments and the political discussions can be found here