More than 1,000 university professors and lecturers have signed a letter expressing their opposition to the government involvement of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). They fear, among other things, restrictions on scientific freedom and attacks on specific research areas.
A coalition under the name “Scientists for Democracy” has published an open letter warning of the potential FPÖ-ÖVP government. The scientists call on all democratic parties to engage in constructive cooperation and describe the FPÖ as an “extreme right party.”
According to the over 1,100 signatories, a government involvement of the FPÖ could put fundamental democratic principles, such as the rule of law, minority protection, media freedom and an independent judiciary, at risk. The scientists are particularly concerned about potential interventions in the freedom of research and teaching.
In their letter, they criticize a “broad attack” on social science disciplines, such as gender, migration and racism research. They accuse the FPÖ of only supporting natural science research if it aligns with their political agenda and they strongly criticize the FPÖ’s rejection of climate change research findings.
The signatories draw parallels with the Hungarian government under Viktor Orbán, which they categorize as “extreme right political forces.” They view a potential FPÖ government involvement as a threat to the pluralism of science and education.
However, the letter ends with a passage that causes confusion. The scientists demand a “clear and unmistakable ‘yes’ to population exchange, as it doesn’t concern us in our ivory towers anyway.” The term “population exchange” is used in extreme right circles as a conspiracy theory, suggesting a deliberate resettlement policy by left-wing governments.
It remains unclear whether this passage is meant to be satirical or a deliberate statement.
The open letter was published by “Scientists for Democracy.” The majority of the over 1,100 signatories come from Austrian universities and research institutions, with a few signatures from German professors.
The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has won a historic victory in the 2024 National Council election, securing 28.8 percent of the vote and becoming the strongest party for the first time. This success entitles the FPÖ to substantial financial resources: For the year 2025, it will receive an additional 7.76 million euros in party and academy funding.