2023-09-28 15:30:03
Vienna. The visit of former FPÖ politicians to the Taliban regime in Afghanistan deeply shook Austria’s far-right party. The current party personnel were billed for the visit; The party’s Foreign Policy Spokesperson, Axel Kassegger, announced that he will resign from his post. Party leader Herbert Kickl evaluated Kassegger’s decision as “positive”.
According to a report in Krone, the new leader of the Graz-based FPÖ party came under criticism for his controversial trip to Afghanistan, and the party leadership immediately pressed for urgent action. In his statement, Kassegger stated that he initially planned to participate in the FPÖ delegation’s special trip to Afghanistan, but after careful thought and thorough evaluation of the situation, he changed his plan again and did not go to Afghanistan. Kassegger stated that the planned trip to Afghanistan was a big mistake for him. “I am aware that my actions have also undermined the important function of the foreign policy spokesperson, so I have informed the leadership of the parliamentary club that I am resigning from this position with immediate effect.” made the statement.
The 57-year-old politician also specifically emphasized that the trip was planned entirely privately, without prior information to the club and party management, and therefore had no organizational or financial connection with the FPÖ parliamentary club, the FPÖ in general or any educational institution.
Harsh words from Kickl to Mölzer and Hübner: “Incredible stupidity”
Party leader and club president Herbert Kickl said in a statement about Kassegger’s resignation: “I interpret his understanding and his current withdrawal from the role of foreign policy spokesman as an act of active repentance.” said. Kickl stated that it will be decided at the next meeting who will take the vacant position after Kassegger’s resignation.
Kickl’s indirect attack on his former companions, who had harsh words about the visit of the FPÖ delegation consisting of former politicians Andreas Mölzer and Johannes Hübner to Afghanistan at the weekend to meet with representatives of the Taliban regime, drew attention. Kickl, „Both gentlemen were FPÖ politicians, not FPÖ politicians. Now they are political retirees who have tripped up their own feet. Neither has any significance or influence when it comes to current FPÖ politics!“ He criticized the duo very harshly with his words.
The FPÖ leader discussed his visit to the Taliban at a press conference on Wednesday. “incredible stupidity” He described it as: „I don’t understand at all. I don’t know how someone can come up with such an idea, I have no imagination. Gezi was a solo initiative by two retired politicians who were “obviously bored.” (yenivatan.at)
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