Ronald Lauder, head of WJC.
Ronald Lauder, head of WJC.Flash90

The World Jewish Congress (WJC) expressed its grave concern over the rise of the extreme right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ), which finished second in the Austrian parliamentary elections Sunday.

WJC President Ronald Lauder said: "It is sad and distressing that such a platform should receive more than a quarter of the vote and become the country's second party."

"Like the AfD in Germany, the National Front in France, or Jobbik in Hungary, the FPÖ is an extremist party that panders to racists and anti-Semites and whips up feelings against minorities. It is still full of xenophobes and racists and is, mildly put, very ambiguous toward Austria’s Nazi past," Lauder added on his Facebook account.

The WJC President congratulated Sebastian Kurz, the head of the center-right Austrian People’s Party, on winning the election to become Austria's next chancellor. "We have known Mr. Kurz for a long time. He is a very talented leader. I am sure he will be able to establish a good government and become an extraordinary leader of the great country of Austria."

Lauder expressed hope that the current coalition would continue without the Freedom Party and thanked outgoing Chancellor Christian Kern for his support. "He has proved repeatedly that he is a friend of the Jewish people and of the State of Israel. He took over as chancellor at a difficult time, and has served his country in a wonderful way, and I hope he will remain at the top of Austria's political leadership."