NEOS leader criticizes Herbert Kickl over FPÖ ties to far-right movement

NEOS parliamentary group leader Yannick Shetty has criticized FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, accusing him of failing to maintain control over his party. Shetty stated that Kickl’s silence regarding reported links between the FPÖ and the far-right Identitarian Movement is “unacceptable” and serves as a symptom of a party where leadership is slipping away.

Shetty specifically highlighted the refusal of the Freedom Youth (FPÖ) and MP Maximilian Weinzierl to distance themselves from the Identitarian Movement. He argued that the parliament should not serve as a “job market for right-wing extremists” and called on Kickl to ensure the party does not become a gateway for those sympathizing with radical fascist ideologies.