Austrian lawmakers lift immunity from far-right leader Herbert Kickl amid perjury claims
- Austria's lower house voted to lift Herbert Kickl's immunity to allow a perjury investigation.
- The decision follows a complaint from a former OVP lawmaker regarding Kickl's testimony in April.
- The move highlights the principle that all citizens, including politicians, must adhere to the same legal standards.
In Vienna, Austria's lower house recently voted to remove the parliamentary immunity of Herbert Kickl, who is the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO). This vote was essential for allowing prosecutors to commence an investigation into allegations of perjury related to Kickl's previous testimony to a parliamentary committee in April. The substantial complaint, which was originated by a former lawmaker of the conservative People's Party (OVP) in July, accused Kickl of lying about various matters, particularly concerning advertisements financed by the eurosceptic and Russia-friendly FPO. The OVP’s lawmaker Christoph Zarits argued for the motion, emphasizing that fairness dictates that the same legal standards apply to all, including Kickl. Following the immunity committee's recommendation earlier that day, the chamber voted unanimously except for the FPO, indicating the strife between political entities. As the FPO garnered approximately 29% of the votes in the past parliamentary election and was seeking a coalition partner to form a government, this investigation's implications could further complicate their political standing. With ongoing coalition negotiations led by OVP Chancellor Karl Nehammer involving the Social Democrats and liberal Neos, Austria may witness significant changes in its political landscape, especially since this instance marks a decisive moment for oversight in the parliamentary system and accountability of its members.