Not fit to be chancellor? – After health rumors: Kickl posts a certificate

The reason for the public debate was the recently published, unauthorized biography about the blue frontman. While there was an initial uproar because the two authors Robert Treichler and Gernot Bauer had made some research errors, a real shitstorm arose because of rumors about Kickl’s health.

Biography as a trigger
In a passage from the biography, Treichler and Bauer discuss Kickl’s ambitions as chancellor and question the liberal’s suitability. “We know that Herbert Kickl is ill relatively often. He often apologizes and disappears for 1-2 days. “I wonder if he even has the toughness to be at the top,” the book says. There was enormous outrage and the suggestion that health was a private matter.

Kickl posted reports on Facebook
Now there seems to be certainty: Herbert Kickl is doing well. At least that is what a medical statement posted on Tuesday should prove, which the FPÖ chairman felt compelled to create after the rumors.

The report published on Facebook said: “Mr Kickl is currently in a very good general and nutritional condition.” “Good news for my supporters, less good news for my opponents…,” Kickl himself responded to his findings.

“Regular sports activities”
Five days ago, Kickl was examined by a doctor – probably under pressure from the public because of the rumors that were circulating. Not only is he well nourished, his immune system is also within normal range. Kickl’s lifestyle is also medically approved: “It should certainly also be mentioned that he regularly participates in sports, which in turn explains these good parameters.”

Other politicians also had to convince people with certificates
Kickl is not the first experienced politician who had to convince the public with a medical report. During the 2016 presidential elections, Alexander Van der Bellen felt forced to prove that he did not have cancer. Former FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache published negative drug results twice during his political career to refute similar rumors.

Kickl into the focus of the prosecutors
Meanwhile, Kickl may get into trouble with the judiciary. The public prosecutor’s office is investigating allegations of bribery and breach of trust against FPÖ majors. Kickl – as well as former ministers Mario Kunasek and Beate Hartinger-Klein – are affected. There is a suspicion of corruption. Bribery and corruption, as well as breach of trust.