Austrian Far-Right Party in Power
Dateline: 02/06/00On Friday, February 4, 2000, Austrian President Thomas Klestil swore in twelve new Cabinet members: six from the conservative People's Party and six from the right-wing Freedom Party. The coalition between these two groups has caused an upset throughout the world; while protesters battle in Vienna, other countries are frantically withdrawing in protest.
The Austrian Government
Much of this started four months ago with the parliamentary election in Austria on October 3, 1999. In this election, members of the Austrian lower house of Parliament, the Nationalrat (National Council), were chosen. Power of the Austrian government depends greatly on the Nationalrat because the leading party in this house chooses the chancellor (prime minister) and the chancellor chooses the Cabinet. Though Austria has a popularly elected president, the president is merely a head of state and does not wield much power in the government. Instead, it is the chancellor that is the head of government.The Coalition
In the October 3rd election, no political party gained a majority. Instead, the 183 seats in the Nationalrat were divided: Social Democratic Party won 65 seats (33 percent); the People's Party won 52 seats (27 percent); the Freedom Party won 52 seats (27 percent); the Greens won 14 seats (7.4 percent); and several other parties won no seats (but gained 5.6 percent). With no majority, two (or more) parties would have to join in a "coalition" to rule. Since the People's Party and the Social Democratic Party were unable to agree to a coalition, the conservative People's Party created a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party.The far-right Freedom Party is led by Jörg Haider. Though he has since apologized (November 1999), Haider previously praised Adolf Hitler's "orderly" employment policies and described members of the Nazi Waffen-SS as "decent men of character." The Freedom Party is also notorious for its anti-foreigner and anti-immigration policies.
Though Austrian President Thomas Klestil had stated disapproval over this coalition, he felt there was little he could do. Yet, in an attempt to calm the growing world protest to this coalition, President Klestil made Wolfgang Schüssel (the head of the conservative People's Party) and Jörg Haider (the head of the far-right Freedom Party) sign a document pledging to renounce Austria's Nazi past and to further democratic ideals.
The Ministers
After rejecting two of the Freedom Party's Cabinet nominees, President Klestil swore in twelve new Cabinet members on Friday.| Chancellor | Wolfgang Schüssel | People's Party |
| Vice-Chancellor | Susanne Riess-Passer | Freedom Party |
| Foreign Affairs Minister | Benita Ferrero-Waldner | People's Party |
| Finance Minister | Karl-Heinz Grasser | Freedom Party |
| Economics Minister | Martin Bartenstein | People's Party |
| Interior Minister | Ernst Strasser | People's Party |
| Social Affairs Minister | Elisabeth Sickl | Freedom Party |
| Education Minister | Elisabeth Gehrer | People's Party |
| Defense Minister | Herbert Scheibner | Freedom Party |
| Infrastructure Minister | Michael Schmid | Freedom Party |
| Justice Minister | Michael Krüger | Freedom Party |
| Agriculture Minister | Wilhelm Molterer | People's Party |
The World Worries
Though Jörg Haider is not part of the Cabinet, many people are worried about his power over the government. Since Haider has strong control over his party, people are worried that he could manipulate party members; thus manipulate the government. Plus, the coalition between Haider's Freedom Party and the conservative People's Party seems very similar to the coalition that brought Hitler to power.The world reacted quickly to Haider's far-right Freedom Party coming to power.
- On Wednesday, February 2, Israel recalled its ambassador to Austria, Natan Meron. President Ezer Weizman states, "We, who suffered the most, who lost half our people, cannot react to this issue like Sweden, for example, that did not even take part in World War II. Anything that smacks of racism, anti-Jewishness, anti-Semitism - the state of Israel must react to it in a different way than other countries. What is happening in Austria today happened in Germany 70 years ago. We cannot just let it pass."
- The United States recalled its ambassador to Austria, Kathryn Hall, for consultation. Hall is expected to return to Austria soon. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright stated, "The United States will react firmly and forcefully to any deviation by Austria from the democratic principles that underlie our partnership with Europe."
- Belgium canceled a $1 million contract with an Austrian company for armored ambulances.
- The other 14 members countries of the European Union are cutting ties and initiating sanctions against Austria.
Protests in Austria
Within Austria, protests have been rampant. Approximately 5,000 protesters stood outside the presidential palace as the new Cabinet members were sworn in. They held up signs, shouted, and threw eggs, tomatoes, and paint. On Friday, throughout the day and night, protesters demonstrated. Police used batons, tear gas, and water guns to break up some of the protesters. As of Saturday morning, 56 people were reported injured.The new Chancellor, Wolfgang Schüssel stated, "I must defend myself against unacceptable comparisons. There is no Hitler on the rise."
The world continues to react and to watch what will happen with a far-right group in power in Austria.
