Austrian citizens are criticizing members of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) for leading the parliamentary earnings list, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of a group that positions itself as a defender of the working class while enjoying substantial additional incomes. A recent report, which analyzed mandatory income declarations for 2024, revealed that several FPÖ representatives have significant supplementary earnings, often as notaries, lawyers, or in business management roles, exceeding €12,000 monthly, on top of their parliamentary salaries of approximately €10,000.
The FPÖ, which emerged as the leading party in the September general elections, had an average of 1.9 additional sources of income per MP, surpassing other parliamentary groups. This situation has led to public outrage, with many people expressing disbelief and feelings of betrayal, questioning how these politicians can manage lucrative side careers alongside their public duties.
Social media users and fellow politicians have been quick to condemn the situation. Nico Marchetti, the general secretary of the co-ruling People’s Party (ÖVP), questioned the FPÖ’s credibility as a party representing the interests of ordinary citizens. Similarly, Klaus Seltenheim from the Social Democrats (SPÖ) criticized the FPÖ’s hypocrisy.
Despite the controversy, the ÖVP formed a coalition with other parties to block the FPÖ from power following its election victory, the first time the far-right has topped the polls in Austria since the Nazi era. The highest-earning MP, Axel Kassegger of the FPÖ, reportedly has nine paid engagements beyond his parliamentary duties, including management positions and advisory roles.
However, the FPÖ contends that these criticisms are a diversion from what it sees as the failures of the current government, which it blames for high debt, inflation, unemployment, and economic recession. The party maintains that all additional earnings of its MPs are legitimate.
The issue of parliamentary income supplements has also arisen in Germany, where the co-leaders of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) have reportedly secured a doubling of their parliamentary allowances. The AfD attributed this decision to the party’s growth following the last general election and its previous lower payment structure compared to other parties.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/03/preaching-water-drinking-wine-austrians-mock-far-right-mps-for-lucrative-side-jobs
