Weidel campaigns in Vienna for alliance with FPÖ and announces joint abolition of regulations

With a view to a possible FPÖ election victory in Austria, Weidel said: „Und ich kann Ihnen sagen: Wenn die FPÖ hier gewinnt in Österreich, wird auch dieses ganze Zeug abgeschafft." With the phrase "dieses ganze Zeug" she referred to a range of political measures that had been adopted in Austria and in the European Union over the past years. With this statement Weidel tied her remarks to the FPÖ's central campaign theme.

Programmatic Priorities

The Vienna appearance took place against the backdrop of growing rapprochement between the AfD and the FPÖ. Both parties share a similar position on migration policy as well as a fundamental criticism of European Union requirements. In Vienna, Weidel employed rhetoric aimed at voters in both countries and emphasized the joint project of a political change of direction.

During her appearance, Weidel also sought support for the AfD in Germany. She pointed to comparable political moods in both countries and called for stronger coordination of right-wing parties at the European level. She mentioned the CDU in this context as a political opponent, without naming concrete individuals or current positions of the Christian Democrats.

Sources close to the event said the trip to Vienna was also intended as a signal to the future Austrian federal government. Mario Kunasek, an FPÖ politician who was mentioned by name several times during the speeches, is considered one of the interlocutors. The exact content of the talks was not, however, made public.

Reactions and Assessment

Observers see the Vienna appearance as part of a strategy in which the AfD seeks to expand its foreign-policy reach beyond German domestic politics. An official statement from the FPÖ leadership on Weidel's remarks was not initially available. There was also no immediate reaction from the City of Vienna to the appearance.

Weidel's remarks come at a time when the political mood in surveys in both Germany and Austria has been described as shifting in favor of right-wing parties. Critics had warned in recent weeks against a normalization of such appearances. Supporters, by contrast, see the appearance as an expression of democratic pluralism of opinion.

The Vienna appearance is not the first attempt by the AfD leadership to campaign abroad for alliances. Similar appearances had already taken place in other European capitals. According to the available data, the FPÖ has a grown voter base and is represented in several Austrian state governments.

Outlook on Further Cooperation

Overall, it remains to be seen what concrete steps will emerge from the Vienna meeting. Weidel announced her intention to intensify the dialogue with the FPÖ in the coming weeks. Further dates and possible joint events have not yet been announced.

The Vienna appearance underscores the growing importance of the foreign-policy contacts of right-wing parties in Europe. For the AfD, Vienna has, according to the available information, become one of the most important points of contact outside Germany.