Anti-Islamic rhetoric on rise before Austrian vote
by Compiled from Wire Services
ISTANBULDec 03, 2016 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Compiled from Wire Services
Dec 03, 2016 12:00 am
A Turkish NGO in Europe has warned of "anti-Turkish, anti-Islamic rhetoric" ahead of Austria's presidential election on Dec. 4. The head of the Union of European Turkish Democrats in Austria, Cem Aslan, told Anadolu Agency on Thursday that Austria's center-left Social Democrats and even the Greens had shifted to more racist discourses to get more votes in Sunday's poll. "Anti-Turkish, anti-Islamic rhetoric and actions have increased so much that our people are seriously worried… This increased our people's fear and uneasiness," Aslan said.
Although the presidency is a largely symbolic role in Austria, the Freedom Party's potential success is seen as an indicator of anti-migrant sentiment and disillusionment with mainstream politics. Hofer, who advocates a ban on religious coverings in public spaces, is also known for his remarks on immigration and Turkey. He has said if Turkey joined the EU then he would -- if president -- support an Austrian exit from the bloc. According to the Gallup, a research and consulting service provider in Austria, latest opinion polls are suggesting Hofer could take 52 percent and Van der Bellen 48 percent.
Austria holds presidential elections on Sunday in a contest pitting a left-leaning contender against a right-winger supported by a populist anti-immigration party. Beyond the contest for the largely ceremonial office, the vote is being watched in other EU countries as a barometer of how well their populist candidates will do in upcoming elections. The victory of far-right leader Norbert Hofer would make him the first far-right head of state in the European Union.
The main issue is the political direction of Austria, and in some ways, the European Union. While the president's functions are mostly ceremonial, a win by Hofer will be seen as a lurch to the right for the country, a development that would be welcomed by other populist euroskeptic politicians within the EU either in power or seeking it. Victory by former Green Party leader Alexander Van der Bellen would hearten pro-EU and anti-nationalist leaders alarmed by the growing strength of the right before key national elections next year in France and the Netherlands.
The longest in Austrian history, the race for the post was supposed to be over in May, when Van der Bellen defeated Hofer by a margin of less than 1 percentage point. But the Freedom Party contested the result, claiming widespread irregularities and on July 1, Constitutional Court ruled that they had to be re-held. They were then rescheduled for October, only to be pushed back to Dec. 4 after the discovery that the adhesive on some absentee ballots was faulty, meaning they wouldn't seal.
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.