Federal President Heinz Fischer has decided to abstain from honouring Freedom Party (FPÖ) boss Heinz-Christian Strache following a controversial remark.
The FPÖ chairman was quoted as calling his political movement as “the new Jews” during the Viennese Corporations Ball. The event took place in Vienna on Friday. A journalist also claimed Strache said that occurrences outside Hofburg Palace bore resemblance to what the Nazis did to the Jews ahead and during World War Two (WWII).
The politician, who has headed the FPÖ since 2005, was set to receive the Republic of Austria’s Golden Badge of Honour with Star for being a member of the city hall and federal parliament for 10 years altogether. Several Social Democratic (SPÖ) and People’s Party (ÖVP) government ministers will receive the same medal in a few weeks’ time too for being in office for three years.
FPÖ General Secretary Harald Vilimsky said last week it was “utterly unacceptable” that ministers were honoured for “doing nothing but warming their seats for three years”. Vilimsky branded the practice as a bad example for Austrian regulations and bureaucracy – but also made clear that Strache would accept the decoration.
Now Fischer revealed that he decided to delay the investiture to Strache indefinitely due to his latest remarks. Constitutional experts think that this decision kept the FPÖ boss from receiving the medal for as at least as long as Fischer is in office since the president did not disclose which aspects may make him change his mind. The developments could also start a debate about a reform of the criteria for the state’s investitures.
Strache attacked the former SPÖ parliament member in a TV interview yesterday evening (Tues). The right-winger said he was disappointed by Fischer for failing to get in touch with him regarding the issue. Strache argued Fischer should have asked him personally whether he actually said what a journalist accused him of at the weekend.
FPÖ General Secretary Harald Kickl announced today that Fischer acted “by acclamation of Austria’s left-leaning hunting society”. Strache told broadcasting company ORF yesterday his quotes were taken out of context. The FPÖ chief pledged it was not his intention to downplay the sufferings of Europe’s Jewish community. He said the statements were made under the impression of what guests of the ball had to endure upon arrival at Hofburg Palace.
The SPÖ accused Strache of having an “absurd approach to history” while the ÖVP appealed to the right-winger to attend history lessons. The Green Party – which co-organised a peaceful anti-Vienna Corporations Ball event – said Strache disqualified himself as a politician a long time ago.
Hundreds of people took to the streets against the ball on Friday evening. Critics say the annual ball is a get-together of Europe’s right-wing extremists and far-right student fraternities. A few people were injured as demonstrators tried to keep ball guests from entering the venue. The peaceful gathering against the event was attended by unionists, politicians and students. Police said people from all over the continent caused the riots which followed.
Organisers of the ball are forced to search for a new location as a group of companies in charge of promotional and marketing activities of Hofburg Palace decided not to extend the contract due to the political background of the event. Hofburg Palace is one of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions. It features the federal president’s office, the National Library (ONB), several museums and stables of the Spanish Riding School (SRS).
