Austia and Racism
 

I am planning a trip to Austria next month and recently heard some troubling things about increasing racism in Austria since Haider's party (extremely right-wing) rose to power. Has anyone travelled in Austria recently and have an opinion on this? Thanks.

Steve, I remember you posted the same question on Eurotrip.com; even so, have no fears. Austrians are very friendly people. Their economy banks on the tourist. And they know it. How many Bosch wipers have you bought in the last two years? They used to be made in Aus. now being made in Belg. <BR> <BR>Venture forth, carry minimal baggage,let your anxieties and enemies go. <BR> <BR>Austria is where you might talk to your Muse. <BR> <BR>Peace and Happy Trails..............

Some 20% of Austrian population voted for the extreme right party. Figure it out. <BR> <BR>

Steve, there is no need to be worried about racism. Austrians are very friendly people, and used to tourism. Haider's FPO party is not primarily about racism in te sense of race superiority; those who voted for him showed concern about immigration-related issues, abuse of asylum etc., a problem with most European countries. Mr Haider himself made some unfortunate remarks about Jews, but they are part of his (tasteless)show and do not reflect the opinion of "the Austrians". Austrians are, I repeat, not racist. Their (perceived or real) problem is with illegal immigration and a concern for maintaining "law and order", certainly NOT with foreign visitors of whatever race or creed. To give you some background on why the whole issue made so much noise: After 30 or so years of a socialist-led government, Austrians voted for a coalition between a conservative party and the FPO (as a JUNIOR partner!!!). This at a time where most European governments are socialist-led. The unfortunate figure of Mr Haider at the helm of a party that was part of government was then used by other European leaders to make a big noise, show their indignation with the supposedly "right-wing government" and impose some sort of a diplomatic freeze on Austria. The current Austrian government is conservative. There might be some right-wingers in there. But there are many socialist governments including extreme-left members, and nobody makes a fuss. And, lastly, right-wing means mostly "Law and Order" and "Old Family Values", with which you might agree or not. But it does NOT automatically translate into racism, even though opponents try to make it look that way. <BR>There is a certain pressure by apostles of political correctness to label anything that is not socialist as "right-wing", and, therefore, evil. They've done a good job in spreading that gospel. In a way, democracy in Europe has suffered because apparently it is no longer possible to be conservative. True democracies could easily the ridiculous excesses of the likes of Mr Haider, while openly permitting political discussion. Europe's suffering from the "mad cow disease" at the moment, but just because Austrians are fed up with decades of socialist government doesn't mean they are racist, Nazis, or whatever. <BR>It's one of the most friendly countries I know. A friend of mine who is a very dark-skinned, almost black Brazilian, is an exchange student in Graz, Austria at the moment. He reports absolutely no problem. City people seem to be used to foreigners, and in the countryside he arouses curiosity, but nothing else. <BR>

Haider is no longer part of the national government, as of about 2-3 months ago. Back in Feb/March, there was a fairly lengthy discussion about this on the Forum.