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Former Austrian president criticizes far-right leader's "civil war" comments

Xinhua, October 26, 2016 Adjust font size:

Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer has criticized comments made by far-right Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache suggesting a civil war in the country is "not unlikely."

Strache made controversial comments in a speech on Monday, where he also took particular aim at German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who he called "the most dangerous woman in Europe" for her role in the refugee crisis.

He touched on familiar topics of immigration, political correctness and what he called the "bought media."

In response, Fischer said in an interview with the Kurier newspaper to be published on Wednesday that one must not play with the term "civil war," particularly not to stir up fears, and not as the leader of a party with a candidate vying for the presidency.

He said that by saying such an event is "not unlikely", Strache was actually suggesting that it is likely in reality.

"I could not believe my ears," he added.

A number of other political officials also criticized Strache's comments, including Chancellor Christian Kern, who said the Freedom Party leader is "not a patriot," and that while great challenges do exist, they must be solved instead of escalated. Endi