Herbert Kickl, the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), made a powerful entrance at the party’s traditional New Year’s gathering, sending a clear political signal to over 3,000 attendees at the Eventhotel Pyramide in Vösendorf. Kickl’s speech touched on both domestic and foreign policy issues, with a focus on migration, neutrality, and a new European policy.
Migration was a central theme in Kickl’s address, as he reiterated the party’s demand for a zero quota for asylum applications and criticized the current migration policy. “What I don’t have is tolerance for a mass migration under false pretenses” Kickl said, emphasizing the need for Austria to change its asylum policy.
The FPÖ not only aims to significantly reduce the number of asylum applications but also to implement a consistent return policy. In a future government, the party wants to return to the “core principles” of the asylum law, meaning that only genuine refugees who meet the classic criteria should be granted asylum.
Kickl placed the issue of migration in a larger European context, describing it as a “fate for Europe.” The current state of affairs, he said, is not only a problem for Austria but for the entire continent. The pressure of migration must be reduced, and border controls in Europe must be strengthened. The FPÖ sees forced deportations as an essential measure to end the policy of open access to asylum in Europe.
Regarding the party’s foreign policy orientation, which has repeatedly been criticized for being too close to Russia, Kickl responded clearly and decisively: “There is no Russia proximity, but a proximity to neutrality.” The FPÖ stands for a policy of peace and prosperity, based on economic interdependence, not military conflict. Kickl emphasized that it is not about supporting a particular country but about upholding the principles of Austrian neutrality.
In his speech, Kickl also criticized the European Union, stating that there is a “gradual disempowerment of member states” and increasing bureaucracy in Brussels. The FPÖ demands a return to the original values of the European Union, which are based on national sovereignty and less on centralized directives. In the context of the Ukraine crisis, Kickl emphasized that the party’s goal is to end the “senseless bloodshed” and to move the EU towards a peaceful solution. Austria must take a leading role in peace politics.
Regarding the current political situation, particularly the ongoing coalition negotiations with the ÖVP, Kickl was more reserved, but still clear. While he emphasized that nothing can be taken for granted, he rejected the repeated rumors of a cooperation between the FPÖ and the ÖVP. It is a matter of reality that political circumstances can change.
However, Kickl made it clear that the FPÖ is preparing for the challenges of a possible coalition, but also has no hesitation in taking an independent position. He refrained from direct attacks on the ÖVP, instead targeting the former party leader Karl Nehammer, joking that his failed attempt to form a coalition with the SPÖ and the NEOS was like the “freedom party’s New Year’s concert” – a sarcastic remark highlighting the ÖVP’s political failure.
Another central point in Kickl’s speech was his sharp criticism of the SPÖ. He stated that the socialists are responsible for the mismanagement and that their policy is leading the country in a dangerous direction. In the context of the upcoming Vienna election, Kickl accused the SPÖ of spreading fear to mobilize their voters. He also criticized the city of Vienna for “luxurious” spending on asylum seekers, leading the city to the brink of bankruptcy.
Kickl demanded that the socialists be disempowered and a more pragmatic and realistic policy be enabled. An important part of this policy is the reduction of budget expenditures, particularly in the media and social welfare. He ruled out an increase in the pension age, instead advocating for incentives to keep people in the workforce longer.
The FPÖ sees itself in a strong position, with recent polls showing record highs of 35 to 39 percent, far ahead of the ÖVP and the SPÖ. Kickl expressed optimism that the party will continue to play a strong role in the future and that it can take a central position in the government. The recent poll results demonstrate that the FPÖ not only has the support of its core voters but also gains support from those who are dissatisfied with the current political landscape.
Kickl was supported by a series of prominent speakers, including the Governor of Styria, Mario Kunasek, and the Lower Austrian top candidate, Udo Landbauer. Both emphasized the successful implementation of “freedom party’s handwriting” in their respective federal states and expressed support for a nationwide coalition with the FPÖ. With a list of successful regional politicians, the FPÖ sent a strong signal to its voters.
Overall, the FPÖ’s New Year’s gathering was an impressive political event, demonstrating the party’s internal cohesion and a clear vision for the future of Austrian politics. The FPÖ is ready to pursue its political goals consistently and put its own priorities in the forefront – a clear signal for the coming years.