The tension is mounting in Austria as the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) and the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) start coalition negotiations.
After the FPÖ’s historic election victory in September, their manifesto has been the subject of intense debate. Titled “Fortress Austria. Fortress of Freedom,” it includes some of the most radical proposals in Austrian politics today.
From changing asylum laws to weakening workers’ rights, here’s a closer look at the most controversial ideas the FPÖ wants to push if they join the government.
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Making asylum laws tougher and revoking people's Austrian citizenship
The FPÖ wants to introduce emergency legislation restricting asylum rights, that would go against international treaties like the Geneva Convention. They’ve also proposed making it easier to revoke Austrian citizenship from people committing certain criminal offences or just for "showing disrespect to Austria".
"Anyone who violates this naturalisation contract through crime, abuse of the welfare state or disrespect for our country and people can also subsequently lose the citizenship they have received," the FPÖ states in its election manifesto.
Critics warn this would disproportionately target naturalised citizens and could lead to arbitrary decisions, eroding Austria’s commitment to equality under the law.
Opposing LGBTQ+ and diversity rights
The FPÖ’s manifesto takes a tough stance on LGBTQ+ and diversity issues, calling transgender rights and queer representation “brainwashing.”
They want to add a constitutional amendment stating that there are only two genders and have pledged to block what they call “early sexualisation” in schools. This includes opposing comprehensive sex education, which they see as a threat to traditional family values.
Many believe these policies would marginalise vulnerable groups and roll back progress on social rights.
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Criminal responsibility at 12 years old
The FPÖ wants to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 - and its negotiation partner, the conservative ÖVP, agrees.
They claim this will address juvenile delinquency, but experts, like long-time juvenile court judge Andreas Hautz, strongly disagree. Hautz says many 12-year-olds don’t fully understand the consequences of their actions, making preventive measures like education and street work more effective than punishment, he told ORF.
Critics believe this policy would criminalise children instead of helping them.
Tax cuts for the wealthy but fewer benefits for workers
The FPÖ’s economic plan includes tax cuts for corporations and the super-rich while opposing measures like inheritance taxes.
They also plan to reduce social security contributions, which could mean less funding for healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits.
Meanwhile, the FPÖ rejects progressive ideas like a vacancy tax to address Austria’s housing crisis, which would penalise property owners who keep apartments empty.
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Hate speech protections could be scaled back
Austria’s Hate on the Internet Act aims to tackle online abuse, but the FPÖ wants to limit it.
They argue the law unfairly targets right-wing opinions and restricts freedom of expression.
Their manifesto suggests hate speech should only be punishable if it incites violence, which could leave space for discriminatory or harmful rhetoric to spread online. Critics say this would make it harder to protect vulnerable groups in digital spaces.
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A hotline for reporting teachers
One of the FPÖ’s most controversial ideas, under its “away from rainbow cult, gender and woke madness” section, is a plan to create a reporting office for students to flag teachers who don’t show “required neutrality.”
The FPÖ argues this would ensure unbiased teaching in schools, but critics warn it could lead to a climate of fear. Teachers might avoid discussing important political or historical topics, worrying they’ll be targeted for saying the wrong thing.
Many say this kind of policy could undermine Austria’s education system and harm democracy.
Weakening the Chamber of Labour
Austria’s Chamber of Labor (AK) plays a key role in protecting workers, but the FPÖ wants to cut its funding.
They propose eliminating the chamber levy, which funds the AK’s operations. Without it, the AK might struggle to provide legal and advisory services for employees.
Critics warn this move would weaken one of Austria’s strongest labour advocacy groups, shifting the balance of power in favour of employers and big companies.
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Pushing private pensions
The FPÖ wants to shift Austria’s pension system toward a private model, requiring individuals to invest in private pension plans.
Critics say this would expose retirees to risks like market fluctuations.
What’s next for Austria?
The FPÖ’s proposals represent a big shift in Austrian politics. If they’re implemented, they could change everything from workers’ rights to how the country treats minorities and asylum seekers.
While coalition talks with the ÖVP are still in progress, the influence of these controversial ideas will depend on how much the conservatives are willing to compromise.
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