Norbert Hofer has committed himself to Burgenland and wants to come first with the FPÖ in the state elections in January 2025. It was particularly important for the Third Chairman of the National Council to emphasize that this came from the “heart” – and not amounted to deportation from the federal government.
Norbert Hofer described his new job in Burgenland on Friday morning as a “homecoming” at the FPÖ state parliament club at the country house in Eisenstadt. He strongly defended himself against reports that this was happening against his will: “Now I want to do what I enjoy.” Only then can one “celebrate real success,” according to Hofer.
No one would want to ‘get away’ from him: ‘We made the decision for ourselves yesterday and then informed the federal party. I hope they are not angry with us there.”
The decision to run as the Freedom Party’s top candidate in the 2025 elections in Burgenland was made on the rowing machine on Thursday. He then turned his social media golden red and presented the suggestion to his ‘friends’ that evening during the board meeting.
FPÖ state leader Alexander Petschnig confirmed that “something big” had happened during the meeting. Hofer showed interest in the top candidacy and the decision was ultimately made unanimously. He described Hofer as a “political heavyweight” and as a “response to glaring omissions.” Burgenland needs him now.
Hofer’s ‘dream’ now in Burgenland
There is no backroom deal with Herbert Kickl that would allow Hofer to run for federal presidential elections in 2028 in exchange for renouncing the office of president of the First National Council. From now on, his ‘dream’ would be in Burgenland. “If I am elected in Burgenland and do government work, then Burgenland is more important to me,” he explained regarding a possible candidacy for the office of Federal President.
Hofer also emphasized that he would have made a good chairman of the National Council. He described himself as a bridge builder and would have thought he was capable of doing so. The 53-year-old has proven time and time again that he can do that. He had a “very, very good and trusting relationship” with party leader Herbert Kickl – the two were said to have a difficult relationship.
During the election campaign the wish became more concrete
The desire to return to his homeland grew during the current election campaign. At various events, people from Burgenland often asked: “When are you coming back?” Now he can finally answer. His decision came from the heart. Anyone who doesn’t believe that should ask his wife. He announced that he would remain in the National Council for a few months before moving to the country.
Hofer also immediately signaled his will to win in the red state government. The FPÖ veteran wants to balance regional leader Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ). “Absolute majorities are not good,” Hofer explained. Neither in the federal government nor in the state. The PVV wants to strive for a ‘competition of the best ideas’. “That’s why I’m here.”
“We commuters from Burgenland are ultimately Burgenlanders. We are always happy when we come home.” He wanted to make a difference after the elections, not for the party, but for Burgenland, as Hofer said.
Hofer wants to overtake Doskozil
Hofer does not want to speculate about a red-blue coalition with Doskozil, with whom he personally gets along well: “We are fighting to be first. Then we will see after the elections which variants there are.” Finally, Hofer emphasized to the journalists present: “I look forward to good cooperation. Just like old times.”
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.
