In a move that could have killed climbers, left-wing extremists attacked a via ferrata climbing route used by Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) leader Herbert Kickl, leaving not only him in danger but also other alpine climbers.
The FPÖ labeled it a “left-wing extremist attack” and is offering a reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Kickl climbed the “Ausweichkogel” route with mountaineers Thomas Behm and Robert Gruber in October 2020, which gave them the right to name it.
Left-wing extremists removed the safety hooks used on the “Secret Swabian” route with a cutting disc in a move that could have cost climbers their lives, according to Austrian publication Salzburger Nachrichten.
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Lead candidate Herbert Kickl openly says he supports remigration.
“Remigration! I have absolutely no problem to say that word." pic.twitter.com/Ii3vIrjpJ7
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) September 29, 2024The perpetrators shared images of the destroyed security hooks, with the group claiming a political motive behind the incident.
“Mountains have always been a political space. The Hochschwab also has historical significance, particularly as a refuge for partisans during World War II. It is therefore unacceptable that Kickl is using this place for his self-promotion,” wrote the perpetrators on a media platform. “Because we strongly oppose his right-wing ideology, we have removed the ‘Secret Swabian’ route at the Rauchtalplatten in the Hochschwab.”
An Alpine climbing portal warned mountaineers that anchor safety points had been removed on the route
The FPÖ is furious, with National Council member Sebastian Schwaighofer describing it an “act of irrational malice.” He further said it was not just vandalism, but a threat to climbing safety.
“Anyone who climbs a route in good faith and then suddenly realizes that crucial anchor points are missing is in acute danger of their life,” he said.
The FPÖ has now offered a €1,000 reward for information on the perpetrators.
“This is not a protest, but a serious crime,” said Styria’s chairman Marco Triller, who called for the “full force of the law” against the perpetrators.
