Negotiations between the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the centre-right People’s Party (ÖVP) to form the next Austrian government have still not come to a conclusion, following a month of talks. The one issue both parties have come to an agreement on is the fight against “political Islam,” a leaked paper states.
According to media outlet Exxpress, the focus of the two parties is not solely on combating terrorism; it also includes the fight against organisations that behave like a “state within a state,” creating a breeding ground for extremism through their dissemination of propaganda.
The FPÖ has repeatedly called for a ban on political Islam and organisations such as the Muslim Brotherhood, which have exerted considerable political and cultural influence on Austria’s Muslim communities through Salafist preachers in mosques, as well as cultural centres.
Following the thwarted terrorist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna last year, the ÖVP also set its sights on associations “that seriously contradict the values and basic principles of a European democratic state.”
If formed, the new government would introduce a comprehensive set of measures, which, according to Exxpress, would mark the most significant shift in Austrian politics aimed at combatting political Islam.
The measures under discussion include the establishment of a “hate preacher register,” the rigorous enforcement of the burqa ban, and imposing stricter regulations on Islamic religious education.
The “hate preacher register” would be based on the Danish model—a ban on foreign religious figures the government deems to be a danger to public security. Preachers that make it onto the blacklist could have their right of residence withdrawn.
Dissemination of Islamist propaganda would also be prohibited, particularly if it degrades women, rejects minority sexual orientations, disregards the Austrian legal system, or disputes Israel’s right to exist.
Additionally, a national action plan is being established to combat Islamist networks, including those that masquerade as charitable organisations. This initiative aims to confront radical online imams and mitigate foreign influence.
The funding of Islamist organisations, both from within the country and abroad, would be prohibited. However, Islamic institutions that promote democratic values and integration, uphold the Austrian legal system, and practice their religion in a manner consistent with the law, would receive support.
The new cabinet is probably drawing inspiration from the government of the state of Lower Austria which is led by an ÖVP-FPÖ coalition.
Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner recently announced a series of measures aimed at combating “radical Islam,” including stricter penalties for families deemed “unwilling to integrate,” mandatory participation in Christian holiday celebrations, and the compulsory display of crosses in schools and kindergartens. Parents who refuse to comply with the new rules could face a fine of up to €2,500. The state government wants Austrian values and the country’s cultural heritage to be incorporated more strongly into the education programme.
The new rules also introduce a burqa ban for state employees, and a proposal to prohibit public sector workers from attending “radical mosques” or being involved in the activities of radical Islamic associations.
While differences remain between the FPÖ and the ÖVP on the federal level, negotiations are continuing for now, but Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl stressed on Tuesday, February 11th that Austria has to change course, and make a U-turn on the economy and migration, areas that the previous government (led by the People’s Party) had mismanaged.
Unemployment is rising, we are facing major challenges—be it in terms of energy prices or inflation. And of course we also need a U-turn, a trend reversal in the entire asylum and migration policy.
