Norbert Hofer about Kickl and “Hitler hairstyles”

The fact that he once handed over the party chairmanship to him was “absolutely the right decision,” said the third National Council President in an APA interview. The Freedom Party’s chances of becoming the strongest party have not been as good as they have been for a long time. Hofer left it open whether he would become President of the National Council again after the National Council election – as well as whether he would run again for Federal President.

Hofer resigned as party chairman more than two years ago. This was preceded by Kickl’s statements that he was ready as the top candidate. Hofer is nevertheless conciliatory: “I think we did it well and it is actually difficult to combine the function of President of the National Council with the function of chairman of a strong force in the opposition. It is a balancing act that is only entirely “It’s hard to do. And I’m happy and grateful that we did it that way.”

“Fortress is a very good term”

Hofer also defends Kickl’s line when it comes to the propagated “Fortress Austria”. “I think that the fortress is a very good term. Because with the fortress I decide for myself for whom I lower the drawbridge and for whom I don’t.” Of course, we also want to help those who actually need help, says the third President of the National Council, who has his own proposal for development policy: “I am in favor of choosing a country that we can help specifically.”

Hofer defends appearances by FPÖ politicians at right-wing extremist Identitarian events, saying it is not an illegal organization. “If you do something that is forbidden, then the constitutional state must take the necessary steps. And if you do something that is permitted, then it will not take them.” In Austria there is a right to demonstrate and other freedoms. This is part of our enlightened, free, liberal society.

Hofer cannot understand the excitement surrounding the video

Hofer also cannot understand the excitement surrounding a video by the Freedom Youth, for example when it comes to the imagery. He believes that the critics are suffering from a “cognitive distortion”. The “so-called Hitler hairstyles” would even appear among this year’s hairstyle trends in a Google search. And a torchlight procession is not inherently evil just because it is organized by libertarians. Hofer also objects to the fact that the balcony of the Hofburg should primarily be a “Hitler balcony”.

For the Third President of the National Council, one legacy of the post-war period is Austria’s relationship with the former occupying power Russia. Therefore, instead of sanctions, Austria should better offer itself as a neutral place for peace negotiations: “It’s good if you understand Ukraine and Russia.” Nevertheless, the third President of the National Council condemns the Russian war of aggression against the neighboring country. However, Austria’s neutrality must be maintained at all costs.

“Many things that I would do differently as Federal President”

“There are many things that I would do differently as Federal President,” says Hofer, who had already run for this office once and lost to Alexander Van der Bellen after a repeat election initiated by the FPÖ. “I would, for example, give the party that emerges as the strongest force in the National Council election the task of conducting government negotiations.” With this, Hofer is alluding to the statements of the incumbent, who repeatedly said that he did not want to do this in the case of the FPÖ under Kickl.

He leaves it open whether Hofer will compete again in the race for the Hofburg. “This decision will primarily be made by my party.” If there is interest, he wants to “follow the call” and be ready. And the question of whether he will be represented on the Presidium of the National Council again is a decision by the club.

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