Reflecting on the recent Austrian elections: Why could this be so problematic for human rights? 

At the end of September, Austrian voters went to the polls to elect the National Council, the lower and legislatively most powerful house of Austria’s parliament. In a historic win, Herbert Kickl’s Freiheitliche Partei Österreich (FPÖ) secured 28.9% of the vote, and although this is far short of a majority, it is paving the way for fresh discussions of a coalition government. But why is this so concerning and how could the FPÖ, with no majority, potentially impact human rights? 

Contextually, it is important to know that the FPÖ is an extreme right-wing populist party with a long history of anti-immigration sentiment. Notably, it was founded by former Nazi and SS officer Anton Reinthaller in 1956. Kickl is in favour of the controversial so-called white nationalist concept of “remigration”. He is proposing the expulsion and loss of citizenship for people of non-European ethnicity who are deemed to have ‘failed’ to integrate into Austrian society. This concept stems from a theory called the “Great Replacement Conspiracy”, a theory, which the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, explains is “based on the false notion that Jews, Muslims, non-white people and migrants seek to ‘replace’ or suppress countries’ cultures and people”. He states that these ideas are “delusional and deeply racist” and “have directly influenced many perpetrators of violence”.  

In 2022, Austria had the 4th largest population of foreign-born citizens among all EU countries. It is important to note, however, that only just over half of this number were non-EU migrants, emphasising that a large proportion of migration into Austria is through Schengen and being an EU member state. Migration has been a contentious public issue in this election. The FPÖ has put this at the forefront, using phrases such as “The protection of our women and children must be more important than the right of asylum seekers to safety” and claiming that asylum seekers “import” violence.  

It is deeply troubling to witness the resurgence of Nazi terminology and policies being promoted by Herbert Kickl and the FPÖ. Not only does this instil fear in those who could be directly impacted by their leadership, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of Nazi policies during and prior to the Second World War.  

Although these results are highly concerning from an historical Human Rights persepctive. The leaders of the other main parties, including the current Chancellor and Kickl’s biggest rival, Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), have refused to go into coalition with the FPÖ with Herbert Kickl as their leader. Prior to the election when there were fears of an FPÖ majority, Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen said that he was “not obliged” to name Kickl as Chancellor. The result may also have galvanised public opposition to the extreme right. Discontent with the result has been evidenced by widespread public protests across Austria, notably with thousands taking to the streets in Vienna showing their opposition towards a potential FPÖ government. 

In this tumultuous era of politics, it’s crucial to remember that race, ethnicity, or background should never be used as a weapon against others. Past historical events should serve as both a reminder, and a warning of the damage that a return to extremism could cause. 

The Article was written by Emma Lee (WCIA volunteer) 

In Wales we have a strong heritage in attempting to combat racism and discrimination against marginalised groups.  If you’d like to learn more about Wales’s contribution to this at a governmental and non-governmental level click here for Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, Welsh Government response in 2021 to the UK Government’s consultation on proposing to reform the Human Rights Act 1998 and click here to learn more about Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary  

The WCIA is working on a number of projects that explore fake news and heritage. If you would like to explore debate and critical thinking skills, click here. If you would like to learn more about our event misinformation as a tool of war, click here. If you would like to explore fairness and equality in your community and WCIA’s statement on Solidarity and Togetherness from Summer 2024  click here