"Optimistic view"

How Austria’s top politicians celebrated Christmas

Susanne Raab, Herbert Kickl and Karl Nehammer

(Bild: Instagram.com/karl.nehammer/susaraab/herbertkickl, Krone KREATIV)

Rising prices, inflation, war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East - the year 2023 was characterized by crises. But Christmas is a time of great longing for calm, tranquillity and peace. Like ordinary citizens, Austria's top politicians also took a break from many a global political tragedy - and celebrated rather modestly and with their closest family.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen posted a Christmas message shortly after 5 p.m. in which he verbally expressed his confidence.

"Despite all the challenges, I am convinced that we can and will develop the world for the better," he affirmed, before wishing all citizens a "Merry Christmas".

Chancellor Karl Nehammer posts a photo of his living room decorated with a magnificent Christmas tree. The table is set for eight people and the Chancellor is standing in front of a large window - with an "optimistic view of the future", as he says.  

"Overcoming crises with cohesion and courage"
"At Christmas, we have the opportunity to recharge our batteries for the coming year together with family and friends. The experiences of recent years show that we can overcome crises through solidarity, courage and confidence. Now is the time to look to the future with optimism. I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas!" said the Chancellor.

NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger doesn't show much of her four walls or Christmas decorations, but shines with eye-catching earrings. "MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope that if you are celebrating today, you are spending the day with your loved ones!" she writes with her photo.

Kickl in front of a traditionally decorated Christmas tree
FPÖ Federal Party Chairman Herbert Kickl has chosen a sophisticated setting for his Christmas video (see below): he is sitting in a somewhat sparsely lit library, the four candles of the Advent wreath are burning and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree stands in the background.

Kickl: "Would like to give you hope!"
Kickl writes: "Dear friends! Unfortunately, the year 2023 was also characterized by crises, threats, burdens and worries. It is time for real change and real transformation. Our cohesion has never been as important as it is now. Especially in these challenging and difficult times, I would like to give you all a lot of hope and confidence for Christmas."

"Ensuring justice, security, peace and freedom"
He continued: "If we stick together next year, we can ensure the urgently needed new beginning in our country in terms of justice, security, peace and freedom. I wish you and your loved ones a merry and blessed Christmas from the bottom of my heart!"

Hofer: "Waiting for presents"
Member of the National Council and FPÖ politician Norbert Hofer joins in on Instagram: "Christmas greetings from Pinkafeld. Two are already waiting for presents," he writes - and posts pictures of dog and cat.

Raab visits family after fundraising gala
Federal Minister for Women and Family Affairs, Susanne Raab, was on the phone at the "Licht ins Dunkel" fundraising gala in the morning (see photo below) before she and her child waited eagerly "for the Christ Child". Both dressed up in snazzy Christmas sweaters.

State Secretary for Youth and Civilian Service, Claudia Plakolm, also takes a leisurely approach to the festivities: "Christmas - a good opportunity to make music again (while others are tending to the sausages)", she writes in a snapshot of her living room decorated for Christmas (see below), strumming a ukulele.

Martin Polaschek, Federal Minister of Education, wishes his followers a somewhat unimaginative subject: "Merry Christmas and peaceful holidays! May the festive season bring much joy, peace and inspiration!"

Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler and Justice Minister Alma Zadic posted photos of their participation in the "Licht ins Dunkel" fundraising gala (see below). Both clearly had a lot of fun.

krone.at joins in the Christmas greetings. We hope you celebrated with your loved ones and enjoyed a contemplative, beautiful and unforgettable Christmas!