As the Vienna municipal election approaches, the strategies of the candidates are becoming increasingly creative – and the FPÖ is no exception. Despite its sharp Islam criticism and demand for a ban on political Islam, the party is deliberately targeting Turkish-speaking voters. FPÖ official Leo Lugner, for instance, visited a Turkish mosque’s iftar event, while the party launched a Turkish-language campaign.
The number of Vienna voters with Turkish roots supporting the FPÖ is growing daily. But why are they switching to the FPÖ?
The FPÖ is the only party in Austria that has consistently achieved success in the past and it is gaining popularity among voters with Turkish roots. This should not come as a surprise. Like all other FPÖ voters, Turkish-speaking voters are now well-informed.
Turkish-speaking voters in Vienna have many valid reasons to support the FPÖ on April 27, 2025. These include issues important to all citizens, such as pension reform and improved living conditions. The FPÖ also addresses specific concerns of Turkish-speaking voters.
For years, some parties have presented themselves as “friends” of the Turkish community during election campaigns, only to forget about them after the election. Many voters have had enough of this and are switching to the FPÖ.
Another reason is the disappointment of the SPÖ and its coalition partner NEOS after the last Vienna election. The ÖVP plays a minor role in Vienna and other parties do not offer an alternative. So, for many, the only choice is the FPÖ.
A further major issue, particularly for Turkish families in Vienna, is the rapid spread of “woke” ideology, which has also reached the education system. Many parents are concerned about the content being taught to their children in school. The FPÖ is the only party that is clearly standing against this trend.
Many Muslim parents report that their children come home from school and repeat statements from teachers and educators about homosexuality and gender ideology that worry them. The FPÖ is the only party that is taking a clear stance and calling for a “stop” to this trend.
So, why should Turkish-speaking parents not vote for the party that actively stands against these developments?
Another crucial point is public safety.
The FPÖ is the only party that consistently stands against criminal gangs, drug dealers and violent groups that threaten the coexistence in Vienna. Turkish-speaking voters who want to live a peaceful life in Vienna know that the SPÖ has failed in this area.
The SPÖ is not only a disappointment – it has become “woke” as well.
Those who accuse the FPÖ of being “anti-Muslim” are the same ones who want to ban the headscarf for girls under 14 in their government coalition.
Those who accuse the FPÖ of being “xenophobic” see that the SPÖ in Vienna has a completely inefficient administrative policy towards migrants, such as the MA 35’s mistakes.
Voters have had enough of empty promises, meaningless speeches and fake candidates. In the past year, there has been no single targeted measure by the FPÖ against Turkish-speaking Austrians – unlike the narratives of political opponents would suggest.
Turkish-speaking voters should support those who have a clear stance:
Against “woke” ideologies and gender experiments in schools
For public safety and the protection of peaceful coexistence
For a better future for all citizens
This shift in strategy carries risks. On the one hand, it could alienate traditional voters and on the other, it raises the question of credibility: The FPÖ demands German language skills as an integration requirement, but is now campaigning in Turkish. Political opponents are criticizing the move. The ÖVP is speaking of a lack of principles and former FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache is reviving the old FPÖ slogan “Daham statt Islam” (Homeland instead of Islam).
The FPÖ is trying to win new voter groups, but its approach is precarious. Its rapprochement with Turkish-speaking voters is in tension with its previous Islam criticism. Whether this strategy will be successful will be shown at the Vienna election.