The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has unveiled its election program in Vienna, standing firmly against new taxes and advocating for a constitutional provision that explicitly states there are only two genders. Additionally, the party aims to halt the trend of digitalization in schools.
Titled „Fortress Austria, Fortress of Freedom,“ the program was presented by FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, who expressed his vision for a future where Austrians could look back on a time under a libertarian chancellor with pride. Kickl emphasized the importance of allowing the Austrian family to flourish and reach its full potential.
The ideological foundation of the program revolves around the concept of freedom, with Kickl declaring it as the soul of their agenda. He outlined four key pillars of the program: individuality, sovereignty, homogeneity, and solidarity. Individuality is seen as essential to guaranteeing the freedom of each individual, with the FPÖ firmly opposed to policies of patronization, excessive taxation, and constant surveillance. Kickl stressed that the same freedom of self-determination should apply to the Republic of Austria as well.
The party aims to prioritize Austrian sovereignty by making independent decisions rather than being followers of external interests such as the World Health Organization and international courts. Homogeneity, according to Kickl, represents a strong sense of cohesion and a shared identity, which is under threat from Islamism, mass migration, and leftist social policies.
Solidarity, the final pillar, ensures that care is provided to the vulnerable, but with a focus on prioritizing Austrian citizens. The program explicitly states that there will be no new taxes, including inheritance taxes, in any form. The FPÖ also intends to strengthen direct democracy by introducing a new „People’s Initiative“ tool. If the National Council fails to implement the proposals of a popular petition, a referendum could be held under specific conditions. Furthermore, the program proposes the ability to directly vote out individual ministers or the entire government through democratic means.
Protection against „early sexualization“ is another focal point for the FPÖ in schools. The party opposes the trend of digitalization and advocates for a return to handwritten work rather than relying solely on technological aids in the classroom. Kickl emphasized the need to shield children from drag queens and what he referred to as „early sexualization.“ He also called for a constitutional provision affirming the existence of only two genders.
FPÖ parliamentarian Susanne Fürst urged for a thorough examination of the COVID-19 era to prevent a continuation of such times in the form of „climate hysteria.“ The party’s stance on immigration emphasizes „remigration,“ cutting off family reunification and ending what they perceive as attracting factors for migrants. FPÖ parliamentarian Dagmar Belakowitsch emphasized the necessity of restoring homogeneity in Austria, advocating for the deportation of immigrants who commit crimes or refuse to integrate. Belakowitsch also called for legislation to combat political Islam, particularly in schools where it is allegedly gaining influence.
Overall, the FPÖ’s election program is centered around the principles of freedom, individuality, sovereignty, homogeneity, and solidarity. The party’s stance against new taxes, support for direct democracy, and emphasis on protecting Austrian values and identity are key elements of their platform. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how these policies will resonate with the Austrian electorate.
