Actually, it was just yesterday that I commented on the results of Austria’s parliamentary election and the astonishing victory of the far-far-far-right Herbert Kickl and his Freedom Party of Austria (FPO).

And on the heels of that story comes another — this time about Austria’s former Foreign Minister, Karinn Kneissi, and her notorious curtsy to the star guest at her wedding in 2018: none other than Vladimir Putin. [James Crisp, The Telegraph, September 30, 2024.]

What’s that? You’re skeptical? Well, here you go — an actual photograph, not AI-generated. And don’t they look like the best of friends!

Yes, it is ancient history; Ms. Kneissi is no longer Foreign Minister. But the party that appointed her back then — the FPO — is the same party that just won the general election. And that party has a “friendship pact” with Putin’s United Russia party.

In 1955, the Soviet Union’s approval of the withdrawal of Allied troops from Austria was conditioned upon Austria’s promise of permanent neutrality, which is why Austria has never joined NATO. And although it is a member of the EU, its aid to Ukraine has been limited. Now, the FPO is attempting to form a coalition government that would give Kickl the authority he desires to oppose any further aid to Ukraine, as well as to attack the EU’s sanctions against Moscow. [Id.]

That authority would also be a boon to Kickl’s allies in Hungary — Viktor Orban — and in Slovakia — Robert Fico . . . both outspoken pro-Putinists.

This European slide toward the extreme right and growing alliances with Russia could not be more disturbing. And all that we average citizens can do is sit here and watch it happen.

And vote.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/1/24