Herbert Kickl, leader of the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ), obtained a electoral victory this marks a before and after in the country’s politics. With openly xenophobic, conspiratorial and populist rhetoric, Kickl presented his rise as the new “people’s chancellor” which will lead Austria to a “more homogeneous nation”, in clear reference to its plans to restrict immigration and eliminate the right to asylum.
Since the start of its campaign, Kickl has followed what many describe as A modern version of the “perfect Nazi manual”. With a speech full of conspiracy theories, he denied the existence of climate change, called the COVID-19 pandemic a “plandemic” manufactured to control the masses and, above all, he promoted the famous “replacement theory” , suggesting that global elites seek to replace the white European population with immigrants.
Kickl’s proposals, which include closing borders and deporting immigrants, have resonated with parts of the Austrian population concerned about security and national identity. “We will not deviate from this path,” Kickl said in his victory speech, specifying that His mandate will focus on strengthening barriers to immigration and, according to him, protect the “homogeneity” of the nation.
In addition to its domestic policy, Kickl has shown firmness affinity with Russian President Vladimir Putin, being one of the few European leaders not to condemn the invasion of Ukraine. Despite criticism and protests, Austria’s new leader has made clear that his alignment with Moscow will not change, positioning himself as a staunch opponent of any European aid to kyiv.
