Austrian far-right leader says his party has “no affinity” with Russia

Austrian far-right leader says his party has “no ties” to Russia Anastasia Kolesnikova

For the first time in Austria's history, a far-right chancellor may emerge. Herbert Kickl, the leader of the far-right, denies that his party is pro-Russian.

In early January, Austrian Chancellor Karl Negammer announced his resignation due to failed attempts to form a coalition with the Social Democrats. Then the country's president, Alexander van der Bellen, instructed Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party, to form a government, reports 24 Kanal with reference to Der Standard.

“Not pro-Russian, but neutral”

Herbert Kickl denies that the FPÖ is pro-Russian. He noted that the position taken by his party does not indicate “closeness to Russia, but closeness to neutrality.”

The politician stated that the Freedom Party is against “senseless bloodshed.”

In addition, he stressed that, supposedly, “peace and prosperity will come if there are economic ties between countries,” referring to Austria's historical relations with Russia.

At the same time, Kickl assured that the party will not insist on Austria's exit from the European Union.

The politician also noted that he wants a zero quota for asylum applications, supporting deportation flights and speaking of migration as “a matter of fate for Europe”.

Recall that in the autumn, in the parliamentary elections in Austria, the far-right from the “Freedom Party” (FPÖ) received 29.2% of the votes, which caused shock in Europe and Ukraine due to their pro-Russian position.

Thus, Kickl has repeatedly stated that “Putin must be given the opportunity to save face.” He harshly condemned the visit of Austrian President van der Bellen to Ukraine and called it a “threat to sovereignty”, and tried to disrupt the broadcast of Ukrainian President Zelensky's speech in the Austrian parliament.