#Crif - Ariel Muzicant, Head of the Austrian Jewish Community (IKG) answered Crif questions

Following the Austrian elections and the rise of the conservative party, Crif discussed with the head of the Austrian Jewish Community (Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien), Ariel Muzicant.

Crif: What do we know about Sebastian Kuttz, new Austrian Chancellor?

Ariel Muzicant: He's a young charismatic conservative leader. He went twice in Israel and is considered as a “ friend” (for a two states solution).

Crif: How have the fears impacted the elections in Austria?

Ariel Muzicant: The main factor in the elections was the refugee crises and political islam. Kurz and Strache’s gains result to a large extent from their strong anti asylum seekers and anti islam policies.

Crif: In order to compose the next Austrian government, will Sebastian Kurtz deal with the Extreme right?

Ariel Muzicant: Yes , but the Social democrats also could form a government with the extreme right. 31%ÖVP, 27 % SPÖ and 26% FPÖ permits all combinations of the 3 parties.

Crif: What is the feeling in the Jewish Community following this election ?

Ariel Muzicant: Together with the Crif we (the IKG) strongly oppose any inclusion of extreme right in any european government ( See EJC resolution ) , or the FPÖ in the next Austrian government . Too many functionaries of FPÖ are called KELLERNAZIS ( when they meet in their “cellars”, they are chanting the Horst Wessel Lied , and love their anti-semitic jokes or their german national ideology. So we are worried….