“First the people, then the chancellor”: Kickl makes announcement

Ahead of a scheduled meeting with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on Monday, Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ), has made his stance clear: the ongoing coalition talks between the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) should come to an end immediately.

Kickl broke his silence on the recent political turmoil on Sunday through a pointed social media post. His remarks come in the wake of the failed “traffic light” coalition negotiations and the announcement of Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s withdrawal from leadership.

FPÖ’s “Skepticism” Proven Right, Kickl Claims

Describing the ÖVP-SPÖ negotiations as an “experimental government,” Kickl reiterated the FPÖ’s longstanding skepticism of such political arrangements. “Even if some uncertainties remain, it’s clear that the FPÖ was right to question this Austro-traffic light attempt,” Kickl wrote, referring to the ill-fated talks aimed at creating a multi-party coalition.

He stressed that the FPÖ cannot be blamed for the current political impasse. “The FPÖ is not responsible for lost time and chaotic conditions. On the contrary, we’ve been the only stable factor in Austrian domestic politics,” he asserted.

Everything else is subordinate to these principles,” he stated, reiterating his philosophy: “First the people, then the chancellor.

Meeting with the President to Chart a Path Forward

While Kickl refrained from making specific recommendations ahead of his meeting with President Van der Bellen, he promised to provide more detailed comments after their discussion. For now, his social media statements underline the FPÖ’s commitment to its political priorities, which he claims are deeply rooted in serving the Austrian people.

“People First, Chancellor Second”

Kickl’s post emphasized what he called the FPÖ’s “very first obligation” to Austria’s population. He outlined key issues the party intends to prioritize, including affordable housing, justice, security, national sovereignty, and preserving freedoms for future generations. “Everything else is subordinate to these principles,” he stated, reiterating his philosophy: “First the people, then the chancellor.”

As Austria navigates its ongoing political crisis, Kickl’s comments highlight the FPÖ’s determination to position itself as a stable alternative amid growing uncertainty. With his meeting with the President just hours away, the political landscape could shift dramatically depending on the outcome of their conversation.