Herbert Kickl aims to become Austria’s ‘people’s chancellor,’ leading the increasingly radical Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). Since 2021, he has advocated for strict immigration policies and economic strategies, including no new taxes. Kickl envisions an Austria isolated from foreign influences, inspired by Hungary’s Viktor Orban. As he seeks coalition with the conservative ÖVP, past tensions may complicate negotiations, yet the FPÖ is poised for potential electoral success.
Herbert Kickl’s Vision for Austria
In Austria, Herbert Kickl aspires to be the ‘people’s chancellor’ and is now closer to achieving that dream than ever before. The right-wing populist leader has ambitions to transform the republic into a protective stronghold, and under his guidance, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has grown increasingly radical.
Since taking the helm in 2021, Kickl has pushed the FPÖ further right than nearly any predecessor. Analysts and experts in extremism unanimously agree that the party has become more radicalized under his leadership. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the FPÖ has gravitated closer to conspiracy theorists and affiliations with the Identitarian Movement. Kickl has frequently promoted far-right policies such as ‘remigration’ throughout his election campaign.
Policies and Economic Strategies
The FPÖ has laid out plans to deport all individuals who entered the country illegally. They aim to make the asylum application process in Austria nearly insurmountable, and there are proposals to revoke citizenship from naturalized citizens. Notably, the conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) appears to be particularly drawn to Kickl’s economic strategies, which showcase his tactical mindset.
Kickl stated, ‘No new taxes. This is essential for providing planning security for businesses in Austria and fostering optimism in our nation. We won’t impose attacks on performance or property.’ This promise was notably made just two weeks post-election to the ÖVP.
As FPÖ leader, Kickl has become one of the most polarizing figures in Austrian politics, leading the party to a remarkable resurgence.
Since his victory on September 29, Kickl has repeatedly sought collaboration with the conservatives, all while claiming his aim is to become the chancellor as head of the strongest party. He often emphasizes the importance of ‘the people’ or ‘the family of Austria’ in his speeches.
Kickl envisions a liberal chancellor who embodies the qualities of a devoted family man, asserting that ‘this family of Austria should thrive and realize its full potential, and the fortress of Austria is the ideal setting for that to happen.’
Under Kickl, the idea of isolating the nation from perceived foreign threats could become a foundational principle. This shift could drastically influence Austria’s relationship with the EU, as Kickl believes that decisions made in Brussels often do not serve the interests of Austria. He advocates for a new direction similar to Hungary’s approach: ‘One can choose to emulate Viktor Orban. That means taking control of our destiny. We must help ourselves, and then divine assistance will follow. This is precisely our response to the asylum dilemma. Let’s follow Orban and construct the fortress of Austria, friends.’
Austria stands on the brink of a government led by the FPÖ, a development that German politicians view as a concerning signal.
However, before this can materialize, Kickl must first negotiate a coalition government with the ÖVP. His relationship with the People’s Party is reportedly frosty, stemming from his previous tenure as Minister of the Interior, where he was dismissed by the Federal President at the ÖVP’s behest following the Ibiza scandal.
This shared history could complicate negotiations. Nevertheless, Kickl and the FPÖ hold a strategic advantage: should a new election be called, the FPÖ is likely to outperform its previous results.