FPÖ Files Complaint Over Hitler Comparison Video

FPÖ Files Complaint Over Hitler Comparison Video

Herbert Kickl speaking in parliament in January, Parlamentsdirektion/Thomas Topf

 

The Freedom Party (FPÖ) has filed a criminal complaint over an online video comparing its leader, Herbert Kickl, to Adolf Hitler.

The party argues that the video, produced by the platform Demokratie Österreich (Democracy Austria), which is led by former Green and NEOS official Robert Luschnik, trivialises Nazism, prompting legal action under Austria’s anti-Nazi legislation.

Numerous cease-and-desist orders have already been issued against Luschnik and the platform.

The video depicts Kickl gradually transforming into Hitler and references his own claim that he would become “Volkskanzler” (People’s Chancellor) if the FPÖ wins Austria’s parliamentary elections on 29 September. The term was used by Nazi propaganda during Hitler’s rise to power in 1933.

FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker labelled the video a “Green smear campaign,” describing the comparison to Hitler as “distasteful and completely unfounded.”

Luschnik, now working as a political consultant, has denied any party-political affiliation, presenting the video’s dissemination as part of “active educational” efforts.

“Not even Mr Kickl can sue away historical facts,” Luschnik commented in a press release. “Anyone who uses the word Volkskanzler must not only expect the anti-democratic origins of the term to be addressed, but must also accept the accusation that they are sending a signal to neo-Nazis, Identitarians and other right-wing extremists.”

In December 2023, Austria’s parliament strengthened the country’s anti-Nazi legislation, making any trivialisation of the Holocaust a criminal offence. Notably, the FPÖ voted against this amendment.

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