Innsbruck, Austria – A recent collaboration between Tiroler FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria) politician Gerald Hauser and Martin Sellner, a prominent figure in the Austrian Identitarian movement, has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. The joint appearance, manifested as a nine-minute video posted on the X platform (formerly Twitter), has ignited debate about the FPÖ’s relationship with far-right extremist groups and the normalization of extremist ideologies within Austrian politics.
Hauser, a Member of the European Parliament representing Tirol, has been a long-standing figure within the FPÖ, previously serving as mayor of St. Jakob in Defereggen and as a member of the Tyrolean Landtag. The video, first reported by the Tiroler Tageszeitung, features Sellner praising Hauser as one of the “most steadfast politicians” of the Freedom Party, and commending him for his willingness to engage with Sellner publicly. This endorsement has prompted accusations of the FPÖ embracing and legitimizing extremist viewpoints.
The Video and its Content
The video, published on January 5, 2026, depicts a seemingly casual conversation between Hauser and Sellner. Sellner’s praise of Hauser extends to acknowledging his “courage” in appearing alongside him. Beyond the personal accolades, the pair engage in criticism of European Union policies and launch attacks against Austria’s ÖVP (Austrian People’s Party) and SPÖ (Social Democratic Party of Austria), characterizing the latter two as “Trojan horses.” According to a report by Tirol.ORF.at, the video was shared widely on social media platforms.
The Identitarian movement, led by Sellner, is known for its anti-immigration stance and its promotion of a nationalist ideology. The group has been linked to several far-right extremist incidents and has been under scrutiny by Austrian authorities. Sellner himself has been a vocal proponent of “remigration,” a controversial concept advocating for the deportation of immigrants and people with migrant backgrounds.
Criticism and Reactions
The collaboration has drawn swift and strong condemnation from SOS Mitmensch, an Austrian human rights organization. The organization characterized the joint appearance as a “dangerous breach of dam,” signifying an “open fraternization” between the FPÖ and the Identitarian movement. SOS Mitmensch expressed concern that such alliances contribute to the normalization of extremist ideologies and pose a threat to democratic values. Tirol.ORF.at reports that the organization views the video as deeply problematic.
The Tiroler ÖVP has also distanced itself from Hauser’s involvement, expressing disapproval of his association with Sellner. While the ÖVP has not issued a formal statement demanding Hauser’s resignation, party officials have indicated their discomfort with the situation. The SPÖ has been more vocal in its criticism, calling on the FPÖ to clarify its stance on extremism and to disavow any ties to the Identitarian movement.
FPÖ and Past Controversies
This incident is not isolated within the history of the FPÖ. The party has faced numerous accusations of harboring right-wing extremist sympathies and has been plagued by scandals involving individuals with ties to neo-Nazism and racism. A comprehensive list of right-wing and neo-Nazi incidents involving the FPÖ, documented by the Mauthausen Komitee Österreich, details a pattern of problematic behavior dating back to 1945. According to Wikipedia, this list serves as a record of known incidents of right-wing extremism, neonazism, racism, and xenophobia involving FPÖ officials.
Notable past incidents include the 1975 Kreisky-Peter-Wiesenthal affair, where details of Friedrich Peter, then the party’s leader, surfaced revealing his involvement in SS activities during World War II. Investigations revealed that Peter’s unit was responsible for the deaths of at least 17,000 Jews and 25,000 Soviet prisoners of war. In 1985, then-Defense Minister Friedhelm Frischenschlager publicly greeted Walter Reder, a convicted SS Sturmbannführer responsible for the Marzabotto massacre, with a handshake and the words, “all of Austria is happy.” Later that same year, Jörg Haider, before becoming party leader, defended Reder, stating he was “a soldier like hundreds of thousands of others” who had simply fulfilled his duty.
The Reder Case: A Recurring Theme
The case of Walter Reder, a convicted war criminal, appears repeatedly in the history of controversy surrounding the FPÖ. Reder was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the Marzabotto massacre, a brutal act of reprisal against Italian civilians during World War II. The FPÖ’s willingness to engage with and defend Reder highlights a troubling pattern of minimizing the crimes of the Nazi era and sympathizing with convicted war criminals.
Implications and Future Outlook
The Hauser-Sellner video has reignited the debate about the FPÖ’s ideological leanings and its potential to mainstream extremist views. Critics argue that the party’s repeated associations with far-right figures demonstrate a deliberate strategy of courting extremist voters and normalizing their ideologies. The incident also raises questions about the FPÖ’s commitment to democratic values and its willingness to confront extremism within its own ranks.
The fallout from this controversy could have significant implications for the FPÖ’s electoral prospects. While the party has enjoyed growing support in recent years, fueled by anti-immigration sentiment and dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties, the association with Sellner could alienate moderate voters and damage the party’s credibility. The incident is likely to be a central issue in the upcoming Austrian elections, and the FPÖ will face intense scrutiny over its ties to the far-right.
The situation also underscores the broader challenge of combating extremism in Austria and across Europe. The rise of nationalist and anti-immigration movements, coupled with the proliferation of extremist ideologies online, poses a significant threat to democratic societies. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach, including robust law enforcement, effective counter-radicalization programs, and a commitment to promoting tolerance and inclusivity.
As of today, March 16, 2026, the FPÖ has not issued a comprehensive response to the criticism surrounding the Hauser-Sellner video. Further developments are expected in the coming days, as political parties and civil society organizations continue to weigh in on the controversy. The next key event will likely be a formal debate in the European Parliament regarding the incident and its implications for the FPÖ’s representation. Readers are encouraged to follow the Tiroler Tageszeitung and Tirol.ORF.at for ongoing updates on this developing story.
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