Nadine Osman
Umit Vural, President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (Islamische Glaubensgemeinschaft in Österreich, or IGGO), has called on Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of Lower Austria, to clarify remarks she made during a televised interview on January 5.
Many have interpreted her comments as anti-Muslim, and Vural has demanded a clear response to prevent further harm. In the interview, broadcast on Austrian public broadcaster the ÖVP politician spoke against holding new elections in the country.
“People have no sympathy for new elections, and you also have to bear in mind that we are in an extremely challenging time, where it is important to take very concrete measures for economic recovery as well as in the fight against Islam,” she said.
Vural quickly criticised Mikl-Leitner’s choice of words, expressing concern over their potential to harm the Muslim community. “I wonder whether Ms Mikl-Leitner’s statement is a slip of the tongue. If this is the case, I expect a clear and unequivocal clarification on behalf of the Muslims in this country,” he said.
The IGGO President warned that failing to clarify her statement would allow it to stand as a harmful generalisation, which he believes would lead to widespread discrimination. “This statement represents a dangerous overstepping of boundaries that defames Muslims in Austria across the board, discriminates against them, and makes them further targets of hatred and violence,” Vural continued.
Vural stressed that rhetoric like this does more harm than good, warning that it could deepen the divisions in society. “It divides society and promotes the very extremist narratives that we should be fighting together as a society,” he said.
In light of recent incidents, Vural emphasised the growing hostility and violence toward Muslims. “These hostilities and attacks are not only directed against Muslims in everyday life but also include threats against the IGGO,” he pointed out.
He called on Mikl-Leitner and other political leaders to be more mindful of the impact their words have on public discourse. “Choose formulations that reflect responsibility instead of instrumentalising religion for party political purposes,” Vural urged.
With anti-Muslim sentiment on the rise, Vural concluded by stressing the importance of unity. “Leaders should prioritise social cohesion and inclusivity in their public communication,” he said. “Only through careful rhetoric can we build a more harmonious society.”
Photo: Johanna Mikl-Leitner (Credit:C.Stadler/Bwag/WikiCommons)
