FPÖ-internal feud hots up as Strache stays away from WWII commemoration

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Politics

A far-right member of the European Parliament (MEP) has called on Freedom Party (FPÖ) boss Heinz-Christian Strache not to deny the roots of his party.FPÖ MEP Andreas Mölzer told the Kurier newspaper today (Weds) Strache “must not be afraid” of pictures showing him with members of controversial student fraternities. Several FPÖ members of the Austrian […]

FPÖ MP’s son ‘faces Nazi mindset charges’

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Politics

The son of Freedom Party (FPÖ) MP Barbara Rosenkranz is accused of having shouted “Heil Hitler!” at a group of teenage students.Newspapers report today (Thurs) that a teacher reported 20-year-old Volker Rosenkranz to police for allegedly making the infamous Nazi greeting towards his students outside Vienna City Hall on 24 April. The group were leaving […]

FPÖ in turmoil as troublemakers expelled

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Politics

Turbulence in the Freedom Party (FPÖ) continues as two Tyrolean party officials were expelled today (Fri).A spokesman for the right-wing opposition party said Innsbruck Councillor Christian Haager and provincial parliament member Walter Gatt had “harmed the FP֒s reputation”.Haager and Gatt are accused of questioning the authority of Tyrolean FPÖ boss Gerald Hauser, who is suffering […]

Record-low participation tarnishes Fischer victory

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Politics

Incumbent president Heinz Fischer’s clear victory in yesterday’s (Sun) presidential elections was overshadowed by a record-low turn out.Around 50 per cent of Austrians stayed away from the polling booths as almost 79 per cent of the 6.3 million Austrians entitled to vote supported the former Social Democratic (SPÖ) science minister.The Freedom Party’s (FPÖ) Barbara Rosenkranz […]

All eyes on Rosenkranz as clear Fischer win predicted

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Politics

Incumbent president Heinz Fischer is expected to celebrate a landslide victory in Sunday’s presidential elections, but the main focus will be on the performance of his rival Barbara Rosenkranz.The campaign of the Freedom Party (FPÖ) candidate has been shattered by a series of controversial statements by herself about Austria’s Nazi past. The mother-of-ten accused press […]

Fischer ‘satisfied’ with first term as election nears

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Politics

President Heinz Fischer said he was “satisfied” with his first term in office as Austrians head to the polling booths next Sunday (25 April).Fischer is up against the Freedom Party’s (FPÖ) Barbara Rosenkranz and Rudolf Gehring, head of the non-parliament Christians Party (CPÖ) in the upcoming election. He took office in 2004 and decided last […]

Rosenkranz campaign event ends early ‘due to Socialist demo’

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Politics

Freedom Party (FPÖ) presidential candidate Barbara Rosenkranz ended a campaign event in Dornbirn, Vorarlberg, early after she felt “disturbed” by demonstrating young Socialists.FPÖ MP Bernhard Themessl said the party’s stand was “barricaded” by the demonstration of the Socialistic Youth, a youth organisation of the governing Social Democrats (SPÖ).Dornbirn police however said about yesterday’s (Weds) incidents […]

Political scientist slams ‘invalid voting’ appeals

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Politics

A top political analyst has rubbished calls to vote invalid or “white” as “undemocratic”.Political scientist Ferdinand Karlhofer said in a TV interview last night (Mon) that appeals to vote invalid at the 25 April presidential elections would not indicate democratic maturity.Several leading People’s Party (ÖVP) officials such as whip Karlheinz Kopf appealed on their supporters […]

Rosenkranz supporter accuses media of ‘manipulating’ campaign

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Politics

A historian who came out supporting the Freedom Party’s (FPÖ) presidential candidate Barbara Rosenkranz has accused Austrian media of “riding a campaign” against her bid.Lothar Höbelt, an expert on developments in Austria’s right-wing political scene who has been linked with the FPÖ before, said yesterday (Tues) outdated controversial statements by Rosenkranz would be screened as […]

Political scientist says Rosenkranz bid will not harm Austria’s reputation

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Politics

The candidacy of Barbara Rosenkranz in the upcoming presidential elections will not damage Austria’s reputation abroad, a top political scientist has said.Salzburg-based Reinhard Heinisch, who lived and lectured in the United States for many years, said yesterday (Sun): “Austria is a relatively small and unimportant country. It is a problem Austria is getting linked with […]