FPÖ Leader Criticizes First 100 Days of Austrian Government
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl has sharply criticized the first 100 days of the Austrian government, calling them “three lost months” where efforts were made to “turn the election result on its head.”
Kickl, speaking at a press conference in Vienna, said the failed attempt to form a “coalition of losers” has led the country into a political impasse.
“Our goal is clear: to govern Austria honestly” he stated, emphasizing that this principle is non-negotiable. “Those who are not prepared to accept this cannot be our partner.”
Kickl strongly criticized the government’s policy so far, saying: “Our country has been driven economically and budgetarily to the wall over the past five years. Money and trust from the people have been squandered on a massive scale.”
Austrians deserve a government that understands itself as “partner, tool, and servant” of the people, Kickl added.
He spoke of the “opening of a new era” and extended an invitation to the conservative ÖVP to engage in talks about a possible coalition. “Let’s finally start working for the people of Austria” he appealed. The management of the debt crisis was particularly highlighted as a central task: “It’s time for a fire department intervention to bring the debt crisis under control.”
The resignation of ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer at the weekend has marked a turning point in the Austrian political landscape. Nehammer had announced his departure in a podcast, acknowledging that he had failed to prevent Herbert Kickl from becoming Chancellor. His successor Christian Stocker now faces the challenge of determining the ÖVP’s future course and responding to Kickl’s outstretched hand.
Despite his offer to the ÖVP, Kickl remains battle-ready: “If coalition talks fail, we are well-prepared for new elections.”
According to opinion polls, the FPÖ has further solidified its lead over the ÖVP since the September election.
Kickl emphasized that the next government must initiate a “rebuilding in the spirit of new optimism.” It’s about fundamentally changing politics in Austria: “Politics must be the servant of the people, not their schoolmaster.”
First FPÖ government under Kickl?
The FPÖ leader has been entrusted by President Alexander Van der Bellen to lead coalition talks with the ÖVP. If an agreement is reached, Kickl could become the first FPÖ Chancellor of Austria, with the ÖVP as junior partner for the first time. Kickl seeks a government that restores the trust of the population and decisively masters the challenges of the coming years. Whether the ÖVP is willing to accept this offer will greatly shape the country’s political direction.