Burgenland’s FPÖ top candidate Norbert Hofer started his “Coming Home Tour” on Friday in the run-up to the state elections in January. In his speech at the first stop in Großhöflein (Eisenstadt district), he admitted that he was not the “very best” friend of federal party leader Herbert Kickl.
The starting point for this ‘confession’ by Hofer was a personal recounting of the days after the publication of the Ibiza scandal in 2019. The ÖVP made it clear to him at the time that he could be vice-chancellor, but that current party leader Herbert Kickl “must go ”.
Hofer: “Now I’m not going to have a beer with him every day,” he admitted, not being Kickl’s “very best” friend. “But I said: I’m not going to do that,” Hofer emphasized that Kickl was not in Ibiza.
Sharp attack on the ÖVP and SPÖ leader Babler
The former president of the Third National Council, Hofer, sharply criticized the federal ÖVP, describing it as “disgraceful” behavior after the September 29 National Council elections for not accepting that the FPÖ had won the elections. The Burgenland SPÖ, in turn, is at odds with its own federal party and other red state parties. Addressing the ÖVP, Hofer also warned SPÖ leader Andreas Babler: “I don’t want an outspoken Marxist to become vice-chancellor. It is now up to the ÖVP whether this becomes reality or not. The residents of Burgenland will keep a close eye on what is happening at the federal level and will take this into account in particular in their election decision.”
Hofer further criticized the fact that politics is just a matter of debating in the face of great challenges. For example, he criticized the fact that in Viennese schools there are classes where children cannot follow the language of instruction. The root of these problems is that “too many people have been given the opportunity” to live here.
Criticism of Merkel
According to Hofer, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has caused “serious damage” in Europe. In 2015, 180,000 people, mostly young men, crossed the border and “nothing was done about it,” even by the then director of the Burgenland state police (Hans Peter Doskozil, note), Hofer said.
“There is still a lot of space in the Hofburg”
The FPÖ, on the other hand, brings ‘necessary hardship’: ‘With us that does not exist.’ He also presented a solution: ‘You should just stop the financial support. Then they won’t come anymore.” He also thought about building asylum centers where the Greens were and grinned: “There is still a lot of space in the Hofburg.”
Hofer calls for “reasonably paid jobs” for young people
Building something as a young person and getting a loan is becoming increasingly difficult. Reasonably paid jobs are therefore necessary, especially in the south of the country. Companies therefore need good transport connections, broadband expansion and safety. Hofer also emphasized the importance of good health and nursing care.
Although there is a new hospital in Oberwart and a new hospital is planned in Gols, there is a lack of staff, the top candidate complained. Hofer, on the other hand, did not accept the electricity price guarantee announced by Governor Doskozil – “which I personally like”.
“Happy to be back in Burgenland”
Hofer also spoke out against Austria’s accession to NATO and urged “perpetual neutrality.” And because it is a ‘coming home tour’, Hofer emphasized at the end of his speech: ‘I am so happy to be back in Burgenland.’ Hofer promised officials that “a lot will change” after the election.
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.
