Secret Collusion?

Chancellor’s Office Targets Freedom Party Youth

The FPÖ’s youth organization is becoming an increasing liability for party leader Herbert Kickl.(Bild: APA/ROLAND SCHLAGER)

Claudia Bauer (ÖVP), Minister in the Chancellor’s Office, has announced her intention to review federal youth funding for the Freedom Party Youth (FJ). There are suspicions that funds from the Freedom Party’s youth wing have flowed to the Identitarian Movement and other far-right offshoots. In addition, far-right activities are reportedly being investigated...

The financial audit was prompted by a report in *Der Standard* alleging that secret agreements and money transfers had taken place. However, Maximilian Weinzierl, chairman of the Freedom Party Youth, has already denied that any money went to the Identitarians or their affiliate “Aktion 451.”

The report cites—largely based on insider accounts—links between the Freedom Party Youth (RFJ) and “Aktion 451.” One official is even said to have been jokingly referred to as a “credit card” by the far-right extremists. Weinzierl, himself a member of the National Council, commented: “The RFJ did not and does not have a credit card.”

Allegations of anti-Semitism are also being investigated
Bauer also wants to examine whether the anti-Semitism clause she introduced could be applied. This concerns relevant statements by members of the Identitarian movement cited in the report.

“Aryan bones” measured
The “Standard” claims to have uncovered close ties between the groups, including far-right activities, citing internal documents and whistleblowers. Within the FPÖ youth movement, Nazi racial doctrine is even said to be making a comeback. During so-called RFJ “examinations,” members’ “Aryan bones” are measured. Furthermore, the Identitarian university offshoot “Aktion 451” serves not only to provide theoretical training for young right-wing extremists. People from its circles are reportedly being recruited for jobs within the FPÖ and even in Parliament.

ÖVP caucus leader Ernst Gödl had harsh words. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl must finally take responsibility and disclose his party’s ties to the Identitarian and far-right milieu. This shows once again that the FPÖ under Kickl poses a security risk to the republic.

“Aktion 451”

• The group made its first public appearance in November 2023 during a demonstration at the University of Vienna.
• The far-right student fraternity isclassifiedby Austrian state security as a “front organization” for the IB.
• According to *Der Standard*, Martin Sellner launched “Aktion 451,” an initiative specifically targeting students. The goal: to educate young people in far-right political theory through reading groups.

“Against this backdrop, it is legitimate to ask whether the Kickl-led FPÖ, under the guidance of the Identitarians, wishes to repeat the darkest chapter of our history when it vociferously calls for ‘remigration,’” said Gödl.

Outrage Also Among the SPÖ, NEOS, and the Greens
Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) also reacted with outrage: “Anyone who makes common cause with far-right extremists, brings them into their own structures, or secures political jobs for them is a threat to democracy and security in Austria.”

This House is not a job board for far-right extremists.

Douglas Hoyos

Bild: APA/Eva Manhart

Kickl must finally distance himself from the far-right Identitarians, clean up the FPÖ youth wing, and sever all personnel, ideological, and organizational ties to far-right groups.

The third coalition partner also did not hold back on criticism. NEOS Secretary-General Douglas Hoyos demanded an explanation from Kickl. Referring to alleged job offers made to Identitarians by the Young Freedom Party, he said: “The National Council is not a job board for far-right extremists.”

Lukas Hammer, the Green Party’s spokesperson on right-wing extremism, called for Weinzierl’s resignation. There is strong suspicion that taxpayer money is being deliberately used to infiltrate anti-constitutional far-right cadres into parliamentary operations. In addition to Weinzierl, all other political officials who participated in or promoted this network must also resign their seats.