Christian Hafenecker: Sanctions Have Not Brought Peace Any Closer – Exclusive

We reject Russia’s war of aggression, but we also reject a policy that weakens Europe’s economy and merely prolongs the war. The sanctions have primarily hurt European citizens and businesses, yet they have not brought peace any closer, the Austrian Freedom Party's (FPO) secretary general told our newspaper. Christian Hafenecker emphasized that, as part of the patriotic forces in the European Parliament, they "stand for diplomacy, not escalation.” The FPO achieved a historic success in the 2024 election, yet the party failed to enter government: Austria continues to be governed by a coalition of the People’s Party and the Greens, and the resulting political stalemate has not put an end to domestic political debates. To the contrary, many believe that the formation of an FPO-led government is only a matter of time. One of the key figures in these developments is FPO secretary general and MP Christian Hafenecker, who in recent years has become one of the most outspoken voices of the party’s anti-migration, pro-peace and sovereigntist agenda. Organized by the Center for Fundamental Rights, a high-ranking delegation of the Austrian Freedom Party paid an official visit to the Hungarian border fence in Bacs-Kiskun County to study Hungary’s security system.

Christian Hafenecker (center), secretary general of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), visits the Hungarian border fence in Bacs-Kiskun County, together with several senior party officials. (Photo: Center for Fundamental Rights)

– Like Fidesz, the Austrian Freedom Party is also pro-peace: it opposes the Russia-Ukraine war and considers the sanctions imposed on Russia counterproductive. The founding charter of the Peace Council, established in Davos at the initiative of President Trump, was recently signed by PM Orban as well. As a member of the Patriotic alliance in the European Parliament, what can the FPO do to promote an immediate ceasefire and peace?

– From the very beginning, we've made it clear that we reject Russia’s war of aggression, but we also reject a policy that weakens Europe’s economy and merely prolongs the war. The sanctions have primarily affected European citizens and businesses, yet they have not brought peace any closer. As part of the patriotic forces in the European Parliament, we advocate diplomacy rather than escalation. This also includes the close political dialogue between Herbert Kickl and Viktor Orban, which demonstrates that patriotic parties are taking responsibility and pro-actively working toward peaceful solutions. Europe must once again become a force for peace, not a catalyst for ideological escalation.

Christian Hafenecker (center left), secretary general of the FPÖ, paid an official visit to the Hungarian border fence in Bacs-Kiskun County as part of a high-ranking party delegation. (Photo: Center for Fundamental Rights)

– Last October, Hungary's Transport and Construction Minister Janos Lazar caused a major stir by claiming that Strabag was financing the opposition Tisza Party, thereby interfering in Hungary's domestic politics — something that also manifested itself in delays to the M30 project. At the time, you announced that the FPO would launch a parliamentary inquiry and demand answers from the foreign minister, whose party maintains close ties with Strabag’s principal owner. Where does the investigation stand, and—if such interference exists—what danger does it pose to national sovereignty?

– These are serious allegations indeed, and they mustn't be downplayed. If an international corporate group attempts to exert political influence in another country, that is a matter of national sovereignty. The FPO has taken parliamentary steps and demanded explanations — particularly from Ms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria's foreign minister. Such relationships between corporations and politics are extremely problematic from a democratic standpoint. Politics must not be directed by economic interests — neither in Austria, nor in Hungary.

– Finally, given the strengthening of patriotic parties across Europe and the reactions of the Brussels elite, do you believe Europe is facing a genuine political turning point? And what role could cooperation between the FPO and Fidesz — or other like-minded patriotic parties — play in this process?

– Yes, we are facing genuine political change. Patriotic parties are gaining strength across Europe, while the Brussels elite is becoming increasingly nervous and autocratic. Cooperation among the FPO, Fidesz and other patriotic forces plays a central role in this process. The close relationship and regular dialogue between Herbert Kickl and Viktor Orban show that these parties are not acting in isolation but are willing to take responsibility for Europe. Together, we can build a Europe of sovereign nations, democracy and peace. The political winds have shifted — and this has long been felt in Brussels as well.

Cover photo: Christian Hafenecker, secretary general of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) (Photo: Center for Fundamental Rights)