Ongoing tensions between the centre-right ÖVP and the chief of the far-right FPÖ, Herbert Kickl, have intensified amid accusations that the far-right leader poses a serious security risk and the accused calling for an early election.
In autumn 2024, Austrians will head to the polls. Already, tensions are high – the far-right FPÖ is polling at upwards of 28% and seems all but guaranteed a win. With a landslide victory of the Kremlin-friendly party looming, the centre-right has adopted a new strategy: driving a wedge between the far-right and its prolific leader.
“Herbet Kickl is a security risk,” affirmed ÖVP-Chancellor Karl Nehammer on 13 July, ruling out a right-wing coalition government should he remain at the helm of his party.
Previously, the conservatives have been quick to point out the failures of former interior minister Kickl. Aside from his push for equine-mounted police forces, the far-right leader has been the most vocal critic of Austria’s bid to join the air defence initiative “European Sky Shield.”
On Sunday, Kickl shot back.
“If it were up to the people, you, Mr Nehammer, would have ceased to be Chancellor long ago,” he said on Facebook, calling for an early election. The people should “have a say” on Russian sanctions and security policy issues, he added.
For the ÖVP, the focus on Kickl represents a tightrope walk. After all, the two parties already govern three of nine Austrian states – including the massive Lower Austria.
(Nikolaus J. Kurmayer | EURACTIV.de)
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