Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker Warns of Far-Right AfD Ahead of German Coalition Talks
Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker, leader of the ÖVP, has expressed concerns over the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of his planned visit to Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In an interview with Politico, Stocker described the AfD as a party situated on the right-extremist fringe, stating, “I observe the AfD as a party that is located on the right-extremist fringe.”
Stocker drew a distinction between the AfD and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), with which his ÖVP had previously engaged in coalition talks. “There is a certain difference between the AfD and the FPÖ, because we do not rule out a political party from the start” he said.
Regarding the German debate on potential cooperation with the AfD, Stocker remarked, “I observe that in Germany, a firewall is often the method of choice.” He also hinted at the ÖVP’s past willingness to engage in coalition talks with the FPÖ, saying, “I personally decided to focus on resolving the issue and finding a way for individual decisions, depending on the FPÖ’s structure.”
Stocker expressed a strong political partnership with Merz, particularly on the issue of migration, stating, “I believe that we have found a partner in Germany’s Chancellor Merz, who shares many of our views.” The two leaders face common challenges, such as competitiveness, security and migration.
On the European asylum policy, Stocker called for procedures at the external borders of the EU, saying, “It cannot be the last wisdom that we only protect our internal borders in the Schengen area. This can only be a temporary solution.” He did not rule out internal border controls within the Schengen area, stating, “These border controls are ultimately a solution that is not meant to be permanent, but sometimes it is necessary.” He referred to the EU’s planned return directive, saying, “This is about safe third countries and connection criteria. There is a lot in the works – in the right direction.”
Stocker also expressed a personal connection with Merz, saying, “We share a very similar view on the problems in many areas.” He attributed their shared perspective to their shared legal education, stating, “A common legal education can help us find a common basis.