At a school in Graz

Uproar over pork statement by Federal Councillor

A statement made by Styrian FPÖ Federal Councillor Markus Leinfellner at a school in Graz has caused a stir: The politician said in response to a question: "People who eat pork are less inclined to blow themselves up than others."

The statement by the liberal Federal Councillor was made during a discussion event on the EU elections at the BORG Dreierschützengasse in Graz. The Islamic Religious Community of Styria sharply criticized the statement: "The claim that people who eat pork are less inclined to blow themselves up is not only extremely offensive, but also dangerous. It reveals a deep-rooted hatred and prejudice against Muslims and also implies a devaluation of other religious minorities such as Jews, whose religious principles also prohibit the consumption of pork."

"We would have liked to have seen similarly outraged reactions - including from the IGGÖ - when two young people from Bruck with an Islamic background wanted to blow up the local secondary school or when a 14-year-old from Graz announced that he wanted to destroy the provincial capital," replied Federal Councillor Leinfellner.

Apology followed
Nevertheless, the Freedom Party member apologized: "If anyone felt personally offended by yesterday's exaggerations, this was definitely not my intention and I am sorry."