The year 2023 has so far been ambivalent for the Freedom Party. On the one hand, the right-wing populists are happy about successes: In state elections, the "Blues" gained so much strength that they now co-govern in two federal states. Most recently, the conservative ÖVP caved in in the province of Salzburg and chose the FPÖ as its junior partner – a strong indication that the Christian Socialists would also form a coalition with the FPÖ at the federal level.
With his shrill course of frontal opposition, party leader Herbert Kickl has meanwhile agitated the party into the strongest political force in the polls.
Four years after the party lost its frontman Heinz-Christian Strache, its participation in government and in the new elections in the wake of the Ibiza affair, the FPÖ feels on top: it sometimes behaves as if it can hardly walk because of all its strength. While the ÖVP is still suffering from the long-term consequences of Sebastian Kurz's era and the SPÖ is tearing itself apart in power struggles, Kickl is laying claim to the chancellorship.
At the same time, the FPÖ is feeling growing pressure. Because the demoscopic high and the beautiful successes could soon turn into a downturn phase. Because the negative headlines are piling up:
Graz financial scandal: In Austria's second-largest city, long-time FPÖ greats are said to have enriched themselves. In the meantime, the judiciary is also investigating FPÖ deputy party leader Mario Kunasek.
Expenses scandal: In the wake of the Ibiza affair, the suspicion arose that the long-time FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache had private expenses paid for through the party coffers. Ex-bodyguard Oliver Ribarich described the practices in detail in an interview with SPIEGEL and STANDARD. Particularly delicate for the FPÖ: In the meantime, the judiciary is also investigating other functionaries who are still active in the case. Strache and all the other suspects deny all allegations.
Shaman treatment and other quirks: Security guard Ribarich also described the FPÖ's penchant for esotericism in the Strache era. Once, a shaman "sucked evil spirits out of the stomach" of the well-known FPÖ man Harald Vilimsky – the "energetic" was paid with party money. The bizarre treatment could become a topic again: Because the procedure is said to have been filmed.
Party with Russian women in the Vienna City Hall: Another bodyguard testified before investigators that FPÖ celebrities celebrated a discreet party in Vienna's City Hall during the first Corona lockdown (still advocated by Kickl). Among them: six Russian women who had been "organized" by a member of parliament.
Investigations into Nazi re-activism: An FPÖ politician and organizer of the controversial Akademikerball has been targeted by the judiciary, which led to a raid on his German national fraternity. Two women incriminate him: we are talking about photos and books with Nazi symbols and the bizarre story of an old Nazi who is said to live in the building.
Minor agitations, bigger scandals and memorable embarrassments that erode the image of the "party of the little people". The FPÖ runs the risk of once again being accused of being susceptible to corruption.
In particular, the highly problematic handling of party assets has negative potential. Because the circle of profiteers and confidants seems to be larger. "Nothing is too expensive for us when it comes to other people's money," was a well-known saying, says ex-bodyguard Ribarich. This saying is confirmed by another person who was temporarily part of Strache's entourage.
So who knew about the practices, who covered them – and who also collected some of the party money?
Some FPÖ cadres suspected by the judiciary will probably have to put up with these questions in court by 2024 at the latest. Herbert Kickl is not one of the incriminated. Even if the FPÖ suffers damage as a result of the affairs, the chairman could benefit from them in the long term.
The cautious loner is considered unsusceptible to debauchery and the party-heavy political style of the Strache era. He is likely to use the developments to sideline rivals and expand his power within the party.
Social Media Moment of the Week:
The comedy duo Maschek sets video snippets of politicians to music in the ORF program "Willkommen Österreich". In the current episode, the Viennese put all sorts of things into the mouth of Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen – and fantasize about the fact that the Styrian-born muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger accidentally maltreats Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
Stories we recommend to you today:
Power struggle in the SPÖ: Interviews with the top candidates Hans Peter Doskozil and Andreas Babler .
Podcast: Ex-bodyguard Oliver Ribarich on the debauchery of former FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache.
Suspicion of terrorism: The Office for the Protection of the Constitution nabbed Viennese members of dangerous neo-Nazi group.
Get through the week safely!
Greetings from Vienna
Oliver Das Gupta, author for SPIEGEL and STANDARD
And once again the note on our own behalf: You can order this briefing as a newsletter in your e-mail inbox here.