Herbert Kickl, soaring FPÖ figure and unrealized "chieftain of the people."
The victory of the FPO in the National Council elections has a significant connection to one individual: Herbert Kickl. As the primary contender, he boasts a lengthy background in the party, gaining insights from prominent figures like Haider and Strache. Using his distinctive approach, he's revitalized the party, yet his radicalism might be his undoing.
He may not be the crowd's favorite. His charm and charisma are somewhat limited. Different from former FPO stars such as Jörg Haider and Heinz-Christian Strache, visualizing Herbert Kickl in a lively, social gathering seems challenging. The 55-year-old leader of the right-wing FPO is sharp-witted, frequently demonstrating impressive rhetoric, and projects an image of an austere politician who distances himself from "the establishment."
From the FPO's perspective, Kickl has achieved noteworthy accomplishments over the past few years. Following the Ibiza scandal involving former leader Strache in 2019, the Austrian right-wing populists faced significant setbacks. Their triumph in the National Council election marks their most significant achievement yet, potentially paving the way for Kickl to become the highly approachable "People's Chancellor." The term "People's Chancellor" is not exclusively linked to National Socialists but has also been utilized in different contexts.
From Interior Minister to Successful Opposition
Since 2021, Kickl has steered the right-wing populists. He has a rich party history beneath him. When he first joined the FPO, he reportedly told his biographers Gernot Bauer and Robert Treichler, "I can't do much, but I can learn everything." Initially, he served as a helper in the right-wing populists' political training center, responsible for preparing materials. However, his skills were recognized, and he climbed the ranks.
He serves as Haider's speechwriter, during the FPO's rise in the 1980s. He becomes Strache's right-hand man, supporting his ascent from 2005 to 2017 as the FPO's general secretary. Before then-US President Donald Trump popularized the slogan "America first," the FPO, with Kickl's assistance, positioned itself as a "social homeland party" that prioritized the interests of Austrians. Catchphrases originating from Kickl's pen: "At home instead of Islam" or "More courage for our Viennese blood - excessive foreignness isn't beneficial to anyone."
As Interior Minister in the 2017 coalition government with the OVP, Kickl left a contentious trail, according to his detractors. He initiated a raid at the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (BVT), damaging the secret service's reputation.
FPO in Support of Corona Measure Critics
Following the coalition's dissolution, Kickl thrived in opposition. For years, he has been vocally criticizing migrants, political elites, and what he calls "system media" to the delight of FPO supporters. A crucial factor in the right-wing populists' resurgence was the coronavirus crisis. During the pandemic, the FPO became the voice of lockdown and mandatory vaccination opponents. They accused the World Health Organization (WHO) of being a "health dictatorship."
Kickl, a history and philosophy graduate without a degree, projects an unwavering confidence. His assured demeanor and pro-Russian views make him off-putting even to the OVP. Conservatives view him as a "security risk" and reject cooperation with him - but not with the FPO as a whole. Kickl rejuvenated the FPO.
For incumbent Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Kickl carved out a niche for himself in the wilderness. "He's radicalized himself," the Chancellor remarked before the election, ruling out a collaboration with the FPO leader.
Despite Kickl's controversy as Interior Minister, his tenure significantly shaped the FPÖ. His speeches and policies, such as the "social homeland party" concept and his stance against "excessive foreignness," have resonated with the party's base.
Furthermore, during the coronavirus pandemic, Kickl's criticism of lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations helped revitalize the FPÖ's popularity, becoming a key figure in the party's opposition stance.
