Austropop Icon Rainhard Fendrich Warns of Austria's Potential Isolation

The singer expresses concerns over the FPÖ's rise to power and its implications for democracy and cultural dialogue.

Rainhard Fendrich, a prominent Austrian singer-songwriter, voiced fears about Austria's global isolation under a potential FPÖ-led government.
The FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, is on the verge of taking power, promoting nationalist rhetoric with slogans like 'Festung Österreich.'
Fendrich criticized the coarsening of public discourse and noted that many artists are refraining from speaking out due to fear of backlash.
His upcoming album 'Wimpernschlag,' releasing January 31, explores themes of war, societal struggles, and personal reflection through 16 tracks.
The 69-year-old artist, known for his societal critiques, emphasized the importance of political engagement and rejected calls for lighter, entertainment-focused music.