Deep concern over far-right involvement in Austrian coalition

The Board of Deputies is deeply concerned by the coalition agreement reached in Austria which sees the Freedom Party (FPO) return to government with the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP).

Senior Vice President Richard Verber said: “The far right brought unprecedented misery on Austria and other European countries in the past. It is up to all European countries, including the new Government of Austria, to make sure it does not do so again in the future.

We fully support the position adopted by the Austrian Jewish community, European Jewish Congress and World Jewish Congress of non-engagement with the far-right in Europe. While some parties claim to have disavowed their antisemitic and racist roots, actions speak much louder than words. We urge the European Union and other international partners to carefully monitor the situation in the coming weeks and months and respond as appropriate.”