Manfred Haimbuchner: – “Tax Cuts Instead of Marxist ÖVP Policy”

„krone“: A question for you as deputy federal party leader: What’s going on with the FPÖ?
Manfred Haimbuchner: The FPÖ is on track, according to all polls. We have overcome the difficult situation after Ibiza. But I think you’re talking about something else.

The concept advertisement against party friends of ex-MP Jenewein…
Well, please: If an institution employee is supposedly writing an ad, there is no doubt that it will spark discussions and require clarification. Close your eyes and see if anyone makes a mistake – of course it doesn’t work that way in the FPÖ.

You have demonstratively supported party leader Kickl, although it is known that you are not a big fan.
I stand by the fact that I was loyal to Norbert Hofer, and I would have wished the same from others. The decision was made differently, I agree. There are always discussions, but never personal hostility.

They want Austria to come under sanctions against Russia. What will that bring to the country?
The FPÖ rejects this form of sanctions because they cause greater damage in Austria and Europe than in Russia. The war will continue with undiminished fierceness. For us, however, this has led to insane distortions. Part of the inflation is due to this.

But don’t you have to be honest: if Austria comes out of the sanctions, won’t that immediately do something to stop inflation?
Your argument is absolutely correct. Therefore, this topic needs to be discussed on a completely different level. Austria alone will not be able to change the gas and energy market.

From your point of view, the federal government is doing too little to fight inflation. In Upper Austria you would have it in your own hands.
With a package of 30 million euros from the housing department, the housing construction performance was maintained – with 25 percent higher construction costs compared to 2020. That is 1500 apartments that are not rented out more expensive than those built before this crisis. But the big lever is in the federal government: payroll and income tax cuts instead of a Marxist voucher policy by the ÖVP.

Everyday life has become expensive. How much do you think a family with two young children pays for a weekend grocery store?
Between 60 and 80 euros.

Our family bought for 121.42 euros.
(Haimbuchner is studying the bill very carefully). Okay, organic minced meat, organic mountain cheese – if I only buy such products, it will soon be 30 euros more. But: shopping every weekend for 121 euros, an average family cannot afford that.

Change of topic: What is the country’s corona strategy for the winter?
After a big wave of summer, experts say winter will be different from the past two years. The only thing that makes sense is protecting vulnerable groups.

Have you made a lasting recovery from your serious Covid illness?
I’m completely healthy and I don’t need to control anymore. I was lucky there.

Have you already been vaccinated?
No, I still have a maximum antibody level.

Corona has sparked much hatred on the net, most recently a doctor committed suicide after receiving death threats from vaccine opponents. How do you see the demands of politics here, where the tone is also getting louder?
Hate, slander and abuse have been around for a long time. What used to be said at the fixed table is now quickly typed into the smartphone and then the message is transferred to the recipient. However, there are plenty of offenses that are already tackling these things today.

You’ve already heard something hearty in the FPÖ beer tent. Should you pull yourself on a leash?
Certainly often the sound makes the music. But I do not believe in continuously and indirectly accusing an opposition force of attacking anyone in particular.