Austrian Ruling Party Faces Backlash Over Anti-Muslim Social Media Post

Austrian Ruling Party Faces Backlash Over Anti-Muslim Social Media Post
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An anti-Muslim social media post shared by the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), a key member of Austria’s coalition government, has sparked broad criticism from politicians across the political spectrum, Anadolu Agency reported. The post, published on the party’s official account, claimed that “two-thirds of people find it difficult to live alongside Muslims,” prompting accusations of fueling division and stigmatization.

Senior officials from multiple parties distanced themselves from the message. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) issued a public apology to Muslim communities, with particular reference to Austrians of Bosnian origin, highlighting their longstanding contributions to healthcare, trade, and industry. He said the post did not reflect Austria’s values.

Yannick Shetty of the liberal NEOS criticized the message as politically irresponsible, warning it risked portraying Muslims as inherently suspect. Green Party leader Leonore Gewessler also condemned the post, calling it inappropriate for the chancellor’s party and disrespectful to communities that have lived and worked in Austria for decades.