Carinthian SPÖ calls for tougher action against extremist networks

The Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) in Carinthia is urging the federal government to take tougher action against extremist groups and networks, ORF Kärnten reported.

SPÖ parliamentary group leader Luca Burgstaller cited Austria’s latest constitutional protection report, which recorded almost 2,000 right-wing extremist offences nationwide last year, an increase of more than 30 percent. Offences linked to Islamist extremism rose by more than 40 percent, he said. “Every extremist act is one too many and a threat to democracy,” Burgstaller said.

The SPÖ’s urgent motion calls for stricter action against extremist associations and networks, including banning them. The party said right-wing extremist movements in Carinthia include Aktion 451 and the Identitarians, which the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence had recently warned about.

The state parliament is also due to discuss the effects of EU migration policy on Carinthia during a session on Wednesday.

The SPÖ is also seeking stricter rules for AI data centres. Burgstaller said municipalities in Carinthia had already received enquiries about such centres, which can require substantial land, water and electricity. The party wants a dedicated zoning designation to assess their environmental impact and energy needs.