The Austrian top candidates in the National Council elections do not want to make a clear commitment to the American election campaign. With one exception: Werner Kogler, leader of the Green Party, clearly identifies himself as a supporter of Democrat Kamala Harris.
On the other hand, ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer recalls that Austria’s relations with the US were “excellent” even under Donald Trump. Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Herbert Kickl (FPÖ) do not want to interfere with American voters.
The APA reached this conclusion after evaluating the responses to its foreign policy questionnaire. The top candidates from the nine national lists were asked whether they thought Harris or Trump would be better for the US, Europe, the world and Austria.
“The candidate who, first of all, advocates pursuing the most peaceful American foreign policy possible and, secondly, does not hinder the independent development of Europe,” replied Madeleine Petrovic (LMP).
Tobias Schweiger (KPÖ) and Fayad Mulla (Wandel/KONE) clearly position themselves against Trump, but also clearly criticize Harris. “In terms of foreign policy, they both stand for an aggressive policy,” says Schweiger. “The disappointing centrist policies of Barack Obama, Joe Biden and probably also Kamala Harris make the rise of demagogues like Donald Trump possible,” says Mulla.
Nehammer can live with both options
For Nehammer, transatlantic relations are “on a solid footing, regardless of which government is in power in Washington.” “Bilateral relations were excellent during Donald Trump’s term in office, and now during the Joe Biden administration. Regardless of the outcome of the US elections, we will stick to this line,” the incumbent Chancellor emphasized.
Kickl and Babler do not want to commit
FPÖ leader Kickl states that the upcoming elections for the National Council are crucial for the well-being of Austria. “The decision about who would be the better president for the United States of America lies with the American voters,” emphasizes the former interior minister. Babler’s statement is almost word for word: “The decision about who will be the next president of the USA will be made by American citizens in free and democratic elections. This vote must be respected.” When it comes to political positioning, Harris is “certainly closer to the SPÖ,” adds the mayor of Traikirchen.
Evasive answer from the NEOS boss
NEOS boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger seems hesitant to express a preference for Harris. When asked about the better candidate, she answers the question the other way around: “The world has much more to lose from Donald Trump’s erratic isolationism and his Putin- or Chinese-style authoritarian tendencies.”
Only Kogler breaks the lance for Harris
On the other hand, Vice Chancellor Kogler supports the Democratic candidate. “Kamala Harris is a politically and legally very experienced, solution-oriented and cooperative politician who can be expected to deepen transatlantic cooperation. Opposite her is Donald Trump, who has been convicted and is primarily responsible for the storming of the Capitol and stands out for his anti-democratic, anti-human statements and attitude.”
A possible re-election of Trump would also be a “wake-up call” for closer cooperation on foreign and security policy within the EU, the Green lead candidate says.
Beer Party top candidate Dominik Wlazny refused to answer the questionnaire.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
