Austria’s Interior Ministry is considering expelling two German nationals linked to the far-right Identitarian Movement following a violent attack on a taxi driver in the city of Leoben, a case that has quickly drawn national political attention.
The two men, both identified as leading figures within the extremist group, are now facing possible residence bans. According to media reports and information from police sources, formal proceedings have been launched involving Austria’s Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) and the State Protection and Intelligence Service (DSN), according to ORF News. The process is expected to take several weeks, although the Interior Ministry has declined to comment on the details.
The incident has also sparked debate in Austria’s parliament. Lawmakers discussed the case after it emerged that one of the suspects had until recently worked for Freedom Party (FPÖ) MP Michael Oberlechner.
In a statement, the FPÖ said the employment had been terminated immediately after the allegations became known, describing the decision as both “necessary and unavoidable.” The party sought to distance itself from the incident as public scrutiny intensified.
The attack itself, reported to have been violent, has renewed concerns about extremist networks and their links to political structures. While investigations are still ongoing, the case highlights the legal and political challenges Austria faces in dealing with individuals associated with radical groups, particularly when they are citizens of other European Union countries.
If the authorities proceed with expulsions, it would mark a significant step, as such measures require careful legal review and must balance national security concerns with EU rules on freedom of movement.
As the investigation unfolds, the case continues to resonate beyond Leoben, raising broader questions about extremism, accountability, and political responsibility in Austria.
