Austrian Freedom Party Leader Unveils Ambitious Election Platform
Herbert Kickl, the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), has unveiled a comprehensive election program that promises to bring about significant political and social changes. Kickl speaks of a “new era” and has outlined far-reaching reforms in five key areas that could impact not only Austria’s internal affairs but also its international profile.
A key component of his agenda is an immediate halt to asylum and illegal migration. Kickl demands a drastic tightening of border controls and the introduction of a “state of emergency ordinance for an asylum cap” to stop the influx of asylum seekers.
His plan to drastically reduce migration to Austria focuses particularly on migrants from countries like Syria and Afghanistan, whose reasons for fleeing he believes have been overcome. Kickl advocates for repatriations and demands bilateral agreements to ensure the consistent enforcement of the obligation to leave the country.
Another central proposal of the FPÖ concerns the financing of the public broadcaster (ORF). The party plans to abolish the ORF’s mandatory fee and carry out a comprehensive reform of the broadcaster.
Kickl criticizes the current practice as “ideological journalism” and wants to transform the ORF into a platform for the entire society. He also demands an investigation into the broadcaster’s high salaries and inefficient structure, calling for a clear departure from the previous media policy.
Regarding political Islam, Kickl demands a ban on all organizations that undermine democratic order in Austria. He sees political Islam as a threat to the country’s fundamental values and demands that such groups disappear from Austria without state support. In this context, the need for a comprehensive understanding of Islamism in the justice system is emphasized.
Climate policy measures are also on the FPÖ’s agenda, but with a radically different approach. Kickl demands an end to the current climate protection policy, including the CO2 tax and the climate bonus. Instead of state-led redistribution, the FPÖ advocates for personal responsibility and market-based solutions. The party rejects climate neutrality and instead supports new technologies and the continued use of fossil fuels, such as Russian natural gas.
Finally, the FPÖ’s election program also includes a tax reform aimed at primarily relieving the working population. The corporate tax rate will be halved for small businesses, and labor supplementary costs will be reduced. Kickl also plans tax relief for employees over the age of 60 and support for young workers entering the job market.