The FPÖ in Austria has moved past its previous hesitance to distance itself from the Identitarian movement, now embracing shared goals and public actions with them.
The article discusses the evolving relationship between the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the Identitarian movement, drawing parallels to the current situation of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Historically, the FPÖ has struggled with how closely to align itself with the Identitarians, especially during its time in government from 2017 to 2019, when it attempted to keep its distance from this far-right faction. However, after its collapse from power due to the Ibiza scandal involving then-party leader Heinz-Christian Strache, this distance has diminished significantly.
In recent times, FPÖ members have begun to publicly associate and collaborate with the Identitarian movement, participating together in demonstrations advocating for "remigration" policies that echo the Identitarians' rhetoric. Party leader Herbert Kickl has notably endorsed these ideas in his speeches, aligning with the sentiments previously popularized by prominent Identitarian leaders like Martin Sellner. This shift indicates a significant change in the FPÖ's public stance toward the Identitarians and highlights a growing convergence of far-right elements within Austria's political landscape.
The FPÖ's newfound embrace of the Identitarian movement suggests deeper implications for Austrian politics, especially regarding immigration and national identity. As they pursue these agendas more openly, it raises concerns about the normalization of extreme right ideologies and the influence these groups might have on mainstream political practices in Austria. This strategic alliance might not only impact the FPÖ's voter base but could also serve as a precedent for similar parties in other European countries.
