Far-right Austrian party FPÖ has called for the deportation of migrants living in the alpine country back to their countries of origin. The party also advocates for 'homogeneity' instead of diversity, and demands preferential treatment for Austrians in the social sphere, including minimum social security benefits exclusively for Austrian citizens.
The far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has unveiled plans to take a hardline approach to immigration if it comes to power, vowing to increase deportations and enforce strict migration policies.
"We need remigration," FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl said on Wednesday (August 21) during the presentation of the party's election manifesto. "Remigration" is a term commonly used in right-wing circles to advocate the return of migrants to their countries of origin. Kickl's statement signaled the party's intent to crack down on migration and tighten Austria's borders.
Kickl said asylum applications should be reduced to zero, arguing that Austria is surrounded by safe countries where refugees could seek protection. To further discourage immigration, the FPÖ also opposes allowing family members to join migrants already residing in Austria, hoping to make relocation less attractive.
Meanwhile, making reference to migrant children, FPÖ Member of Parliament Dagmar Belakowitsch said students "who are disrespectful should not only leave the school, but they should leave our country."
Demands for 'homogeneity' and special privileges for Austrians
Entitled "Fortress Austria – Fortress of Freedom," the party's 100-page manifesto advocates for "homogeneity" instead of diversity. It also called for preferential treatment for Austrians in the social sphere, specifically proposing that minimum social security benefits should be reserved exclusively for Austrian citizens.
Kickl defended this stance, stating, "This is not discrimination, it is simply fair."
The far-right party also demands that in the future, public initiatives should be able to force individual ministers or even the entire government to resign.
In addition, the manifesto also states the party's opposition to any tax increases, in the hopes it would make the country a more attractive business hub.
"Fortress Austria, the Fortress of Freedom, is the place where new taxes have no place," Kickl said.
With dpa
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