Nazi Song Sung at Austrian Funeral Sparks Outrage

On the eve of Austria's legislative elections, outrage erupted after a Nazi song was sung at the funeral of Walter Sucher, a former official of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ). The song 'Wenn alle untreu werden,' associated with Nazi-era SS, was performed with several FPÖ politicians in attendance, igniting condemnation from various political leaders and organizations, including the Union of Jewish Students of Austria. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, who has drawn on Nazi rhetoric during his campaign, distanced the party from the funeral organization, calling political exploitation of the event 'disrespectful.' Critics, including Justice Minister Alma Zadic, reiterated concerns about the normalization of far-right extremism in Austria. The FPÖ, leading in polls with 27% support, faces scrutiny for its historical ties to Nazi ideology. Calls for a vote against the FPÖ, emphasizing the need for a democratic state, have intensified as the elections approach.