First of all, moderator Alexandra Maritza Wachter wanted to know from both leading candidates what concerns or issues were important to the voters of the opposing party. Kogler was asked about his demand for a “firewall against the FPÖ.” The Green leader stated that there are “indeed problems,” and he has understanding for the fears and concerns of the people. In this context, the Vice Chancellor referred to migration issues and the economic situation of the people.
Kickl, on the other hand, saw many disappointed Green voters from 2019 and predicted a significant loss of votes for Kogler in the National Council elections at the end of September. The Greens had entered the race “to represent decency,” said the FPÖ leader. However, with the case concerning Lena Schilling, they had “trampled on the trust” of the voters. Furthermore, the Greens had always been against genetic engineering but then advocated for a “genetic vaccination.” Kickl also stated that the Greens had stood for peace but had now betrayed that with “brutal warmongering.”
Kogler renews demand for a “firewall against the FPÖ”
Green leader Werner Kogler renewed his demand for a “firewall against the FPÖ” in the TV debate with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl.
Kogler warns against government of ÖVP and FPÖ
When asked again about the “firewall,” Kogler said that his main concern is to “prevent representatives of far-right positions from holding government responsibility.” He particularly mentioned the ÖVP, which — unlike at the state level, where it already does — should not govern with the FPÖ at the federal level. However, Kogler also held the SPÖ accountable and pointed out that, according to him, five red state leaders had advocated “opening up to blue.”
Kickl, on the other hand, countered, addressing Kogler: “If you want to see an extremist and anti-democrat, look in the mirror.” He also referred to the time during the COVID pandemic, stating that one could find these “extremists whom you warn about.” Green leader Kogler accused Kickl of downplaying the Holocaust in relation to his partial support for opponents of COVID measures during the pandemic and not distancing himself from far-right Identitarians even today. He also stated that he — Kogler — had always defended the right to demonstrate during the pandemic. The FPÖ leader replied that he had “no impression” that the Vice Chancellor of the Republic was facing him.
Kickl praises Orban
Further along, the topic of security was discussed. Wachter asked the two party leaders about the current discussion in Germany about border rejections. Kogler stated that he found these border rejections at the German border understandable. However, everything must always be “in accordance with European law.” Kickl, on the other hand, advocated for the current discussions on migration and asylum to be resolved at the external borders of Europe. He praised Hungary and its Prime Minister Viktor Orban, stating that he didn’t let anyone in.
Differences in security concepts
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl once again praised Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his migration policy. Green leader Werner Kogler, on the other hand, held Hungary partly responsible for many issues that do not work in European refugee policy.
Kogler responded that Hungary bears significant responsibility for many issues that do not work in European refugee policy. He reminded the FPÖ leader that “over 90 percent” of asylum seekers had entered Austria via the Hungarian border. Kickl should “really look for a different role model,” Kogler stated. Kickl countered that Hungary had done it right and had not let anyone in. The problem begins in Greece, he remarked.
Kogler: “Kickl is a security risk”
The discussion then shifted to the topic of messenger surveillance. Kickl stated that such measures were unnecessary — instead, he demanded a ban on political Islam, which would allow authorities to “remove these threats.” The FPÖ leader did not elaborate further on this point. Kogler, on the other hand, criticized the previous turquoise-blue coalition, under which Kickl was Interior Minister, referring to many measures, including the “Bundestrojaner,” which had been overturned by the Constitutional Court afterwards.
Positions on messenger surveillance
For FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, there is no need for messenger surveillance, but rather a ban on political Islam. Green leader Werner Kogler, in turn, reminded that many measures under the turquoise-blue government had been subsequently overturned by the Constitutional Court.
Kogler also labeled Kickl as a “security risk.” Moreover, Kogler mentioned that, under Kickl as Interior Minister, no one wanted to cooperate with the Austrian state protection, and he doubted whether the alleged attack on the Taylor Swift concert in early August could have been prevented under Kickl’s leadership.
Common ground on health issues
At the end of the discussion, moderator Wachter pressed on the topic of health. This related to the merger of health insurance funds under turquoise-blue governance, referred to as the “patient billion.” Kogler called this a “terrible nonsense” and a “marketing gag.” He felt confirmed by the report from the Court of Audit. “This is a construction site like no other,” the Green leader judged regarding the former project under ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP).
Election 24: Analysis of the TV debates
The TV debates for Election 24 between FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl and Green leader Werner Kogler, as well as between NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger and ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer, were analyzed by political scientist Kathrin Stainer-Hämmerle in ZIB2.
In the end, a bit of unity could still be found between the two: Reforms in the health sector are needed, Kickl stated. “In the interest of patients,” some areas should be subject to “streamlining.” Kogler agreed, labeling the hospital planning in the country as “inefficient.”