A recent funeral for a former far-right politician in Austria sparked controversy as attendees, including newly elected National Council members, performed a song linked to the SS. The FPÖ, with historical ties to Nazism, faces scrutiny amid accusations of right-wing extremism under leader Herbert Kickl. Investigations are ongoing regarding potential neo-Nazi connections. Despite distancing from the Identitarian movement after the 2019 mosque attacks, the FPÖ has rekindled ties with far-right groups, raising concerns about their influence in politics.
Recent Controversy in Austrian Politics
Just two days ahead of the Austrian parliamentary elections at the end of September, Vienna hosted a funeral for a former far-right politician associated with the FPÖ. Attendees included several party members, three of whom were elected to the National Council shortly after. The memorial service caught public attention when the song “When All Become Unfaithful” was performed, a piece that has been historically linked to the SS, as reported by “Der Standard.”
The politicians at the service have vehemently denied the claims, asserting that they sang the original 1814 version rather than the version associated with the SS. A video released by the newspaper has left the matter ambiguous, leading to ongoing legal disputes. Following the lifting of parliamentary immunity, the public prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into potential neo-Nazi activities.
FPÖ’s Troubling Historical Ties
The FPÖ has long been a gathering point for former Nazis. Regardless of whether a prohibited version of the song was indeed sung, this incident underscores the persistent German nationalist ideology that remains prevalent among substantial segments of the FPÖ. This situation has provided ammunition for political opponents to criticize the party and its leader, Herbert Kickl. The conservative ÖVP has accused him of tolerating right-wing extremism. Their former Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, had previously labeled Kickl as a right-wing extremist.
Amid the failure of a three-party coalition that excluded the FPÖ, the conservatives are now in talks with the party, necessitating a justification from their incoming chairman, Christian Stocker, for this shift from their previous campaign pledges. In an interview, he remarked, “Nothing has changed with Herbert Kickl,” despite the ÖVP appearing willing to support Kickl for the Chancellor position.
This development would mark a historic moment in Austria, potentially leading to a government leader whose party has roots in a formation that once welcomed former National Socialists. For decades, the FPÖ’s foundation was shaped by such ties, with its past leaders, including one who was a former officer in the Waffen-SS and another, Jörg Haider, who controversially praised aspects of the Nazi regime.
Kickl, unlike his predecessors, does not share such a background, having been seen as an outsider in FPÖ’s elite. However, many analysts agree that he represents the most radical leadership the FPÖ has seen, moving the party further to the right. According to historian Florian Wenninger, Kickl is more openly connected with far-right groups than his predecessors, indicating a shift towards a völkisch ideology within the party.
One significant relationship is with the Identitarian movement, which is part of the New Right. Their spokesperson, Martin Sellner, gained notoriety following a controversial lecture in Potsdam. Sellner’s activities have led to violent confrontations and have raised concerns about the Identitarian movement, which is monitored by the domestic intelligence agency due to their extremist agenda.
The FPÖ has had prior connections with the Identitarians, but a public separation occurred after the tragic mosque attacks in New Zealand in March 2019, which revealed a financial link between the perpetrator and Sellner. At that time, the FPÖ, being part of the ruling coalition, was pressured to distance itself from the movement. However, under Kickl’s leadership, the party has rekindled ties with far-right groups amidst a shared opposition to COVID-19 policies, despite the presence of conspiracy theorists within their ranks.
Kickl has even referred to the Identitarians as a “worthwhile project” and a “right-wing NGO.” Since his leadership, FPÖ officials have increasingly appeared alongside right-wing extremists, a trend noted in intelligence reports.
The FPÖ’s youth wing is particularly radical, drawing parallels with Germany’s AfD, and has previously stirred controversy with provocative imagery reminiscent of the Nazi era. While previous leaders like Strache would often downplay such incidents, Kickl embraces them, praising the youth party’s provocative content.
Kickl’s approach is characterized by a refusal to retreat from contentious rhetoric. He embraces terms like “remigration,” which have raised eyebrows even among far-right factions. His agenda includes a comprehensive reassessment of Austria’s media, judiciary, and international agreements.
Interestingly, despite these connections, the domestic intelligence agency does not classify the FPÖ as a right-wing extremist party, nor does it monitor them in the same way as the German agency does with the AfD. However, the agency’s latest report highlights that extremist groups like the Identitarians are increasingly seeking to influence party politics, a movement to which Kickl is openly receptive, incorporating their language and concepts into mainstream political discourse.