Selenskyj Visit Will Not Divide Austria

Pollster Peter Hajek does not expect political upheaval from the anticipated visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "I don't think it would lead to polarization," Hajek said in an APA interview. "The FPÖ will be critical in any case, that is one of their core issues." The government is likely to try to take a "balanced stance" between support and advocating for peace.

Expert does not expect polarization from Zelensky visit

Hajek emphasized, referring to a survey he conducted last year, that three-quarters of Austrians supported the fundamental support of Ukraine. Only 19 percent considered this absolutely wrong and were also in favor of lifting the sanctions against Russia.

The political advisor admitted that opinions regarding the Ukrainian president in Austria are "relatively clearly defined." For Zelensky, the visit is primarily about "motivation." The Ukrainian president will likely try to "sharpen the awareness of the Austrian population that this is a conflict that Ukraine is also fighting for Europe." Russia has also proven in recent U.S. mediation efforts that it is not interested in peace.

"Austrian position is that of a free rider"

Referring to the recent Eurobarometer survey, which showed that 56 percent of Austrians are in favor of supplying weapons to Ukraine - a higher percentage than in Italy, Spain, France, or the Czech Republic, which actually supply weapons - Hajek said: "The Austrian position is that of a free rider." The citizens are for neutrality, but do not want to defend the country themselves with weapons nor spend more on the military. "Therefore, I recommend as a defense measure the last thing that remains: praying."

In the new three-party coalition, Hajek sees fundamental foreign policy continuity. "It is striking that the new foreign minister is politically very active." Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) is "equipped with a considerable sense of mission and is well received by the population," said the pollster, drawing a comparison with former Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik (ÖVP).

(The conversation was conducted by Stefan Vospernik/APA)

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