Haider's party today is not a fascist party in the sense that the Nazis
were in Germany. But Haider's repetition of Nazi propaganda and the
racism
of his far-right views have alarmed workers and youth worldwide.
Protests are being held in major cities throughout the world and huge
demonstrations are being planned in the Austrian capital Vienna.
Haider has been downplaying his praise of Nazi policies and Hitler1s
SS
and trying to appear more 'respectable'. He even says how much he
admires Tony Blair - not only because Britain is not joining the EU
boycott of Austria but also because he admires Blair's policies!
Haider also claims he is a moderate because he realises there is limited
potential for his far-right views to gain mass support at this stage.
During the recent elections, 63% of voters said they voted for the
Freedom
Party because they wanted to show the ruling parties that change was
needed.
Haider's party has got this far because he has not been challenged by
the
workers' movement in Austria. Decades of rule by social democratic
and
coalition governments have ended in privatisation, cuts and carrying
out
attacks on the working which have nurtured the discontent in which
Haider's far right have grown.
But although Haider doesn't currently represent a return to the fascism
of
the 1930s, his party's rise must serve as a warning to the workers'
movement and socialists everywhere.
Hitler made the not entirely true boast that he came to power without
a
pane of glass being broken in opposition. Even if Haider does not at
this
stage represent the same threat as Hitler, our generation must not
allow
this to happen again.
Youth Against Racism in Europe Oppose Haider
Austrian Workers History of Anti-Fascism
Austrian Socialists Analyse Haider
Youth Against Racism in Europe Web Site