A few days ago, the Austrian far-right FPÖ has launched its first significant attack on the national security. /1
The FPÖ is a minor partner in the governmental coalition led by the centre-right ÖVP, but the far right control several important (security-wise) ministries such as the Interior and Defence. /2
Now, a police unit headed by an FPÖ member raided the office of the domestic security agency BVT that, in particular, deals with the problem of right-wing extremism in the country. Homes of some BVT officers were searched too. /3
This is not simply annoying, this is in fact frightening, for several reasons. First, the far right may now have access to the intel on the Austrian far-right scene, which means that BVT agents working undercover inside the scene may now be compromised, /4
while future cooperation with the BVT on the issues of right-wing extremism is at huge risk: who will provide sensitive information on right-wing extremists if there is a chance that the info may end up in the hands of these very right-wing extremists? /5
Second, while - given the participation of the far right in the Austrian government - there have already been concerns about cooperation and intel exchange between Western agencies, the situation with the BVT has made everything even worse. /6
Who is ready to cooperate with the Austrian (counter)intelligence if a regular police unit under control of the FPÖ, whose foreign policy agenda is very dubious (to say the least), may obtain access to high-profile, sensitive data? /7
To stress: the FPÖ is not only a clear and obvious threat to the national security of Austria, but it also undermines Western counter-intelligence efforts in our troubled times. This is very serious. /8 End of thread.
