Austrian ÖVP politicians attack FPÖ over asylum and extremism

Political tensions in Austria have escalated between the ÖVP and the FPÖ following sharp criticisms regarding asylum policy and extremist affiliations.

ÖVP Member of Parliament Andreas Hanger criticized FPÖ Deputy Governor Udo Landbauer after Landbauer attacked Interior Minister Gerhard Karner’s asylum policies. Landbauer argued that asylum is temporary protection and noted that only a small fraction of Syrians have returned home following the recent regime change in Syria. In response, Hanger questioned Landbauer’s own right to remain in Austria, citing his mother’s Persian background, and accused him of attempting to distract from the government’s asylum record.

Simultaneously, the ÖVP has leveled accusations against FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl regarding the ideological direction of the party. ÖVP officials, including Hanger and General Secretary Markus Gstöttner, condemned reported links between the FPÖ Youth and the Identitarian Movement. The ÖVP characterized these connections as “revolting” and “disturbing,” accusing Kickl of failing to distance himself from right-wing extremist elements within his party’s youth organization.