Kickl in ORF Summer Talk: "Our Economy Is Now in Trouble"

FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl wants to curb inflation as a "first aid measure" with state interventions. In the ORF "summer interview," he promoted a "electricity price brake" and the removal of VAT on basic foodstuffs. A "liberation strike" for the Freedom Party chairman would be an end to the "CO2 criminalization." Kickl would also source gas from Russia again. Additionally, natural gas should be promoted in Austria with an offensive.

Kickl would have nothing against the expansion of renewable energy. However, this should not happen at "breakneck speed." He justified his willingness to accept gas from Russia by stating that other Western countries do the same. On the other hand, he prefers to obtain gas cheaply if one is already dependent on it.

"You can't leave people alone"

State interventions in prices would not please him, assured the FPÖ chairman: "But you can't leave people alone."

The fact that such measures would cost a lot of money did not deter Kickl. Because expenses like those for Sky Shield, development cooperation, Ukraine aid, net contribution to the EU, and asylum would not be questioned. However, these would be the areas where Kickl would make cuts. He also advocated for major changes in the system. If subsidies were returned to the pre-Corona level, five to six billion would already be saved. Therefore, politics is challenged to finally "tighten its own belt." He sees the situation as dramatic: "Our economy is now on the line."

Against pension adjustment below inflation

In terms of health, the FPÖ chairman believes there are too many players involved: "Too many cooks spoil the broth." Kickl would be in favor of asking the population where the competencies should be located.

The FPÖ leader rejected adjusting the pension below inflation, as the Chancellor plans: "There should be 2.7 percent for everyone." He also rejected a tiered approach. If the top performers received less, it would be a "fatal signal." Kickl would support a zero wage round for top officials, but not, for example, for police officers.

Carinthia Election and Unsuccessful Negotiations

Once again, Kickl assured that he does not want to run as a candidate for governor in his home state of Carinthia. He has made a promise to do everything at the federal level for a system change: "I stand by this word." He rejected the idea of first going to Carinthia and then trying again in the National Council election. One should "not dance around at several fairs with one behind."

He did not see any mistakes in the failed negotiations with the ÖVP. He had hoped in vain for an "awakening experience" with the People's Party. Kickl sees the reason for the cooperation between the Freedom Party and the ÖVP in the states as the fact that the state organizations of the People's Party are closer to the people than the federal party.

No Contact Between Kickl and Meloni

Internationally, there are things about US President Donald Trump that Kickl likes. He mentioned, for example, the fight against political Islam as well as against wokeness and "the consistent deportation" of "illegals." Trump's economic policy may cause difficulties for Europe, but it is in the interest of the USA. Kickl has not yet had any contact with the right-conservative Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Perhaps he will address this in the coming year.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.