Austria’s far-right walk out during Zelensky speech

More than 20 far-right Austrian MPs, belonging to the Freedom Party (FPÖ), walked out of parliament during a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, arguing it violated Austria’s neutrality.

Austria has said it cannot help Ukraine militarily but supports it politically.

During his speech, Mr Zelensky thanked Austria for its humanitarian assistance and invited MPs to visit Ukraine to see the destruction caused by the Russian invasion.

As he spoke, a group of politicians left and left placards on their desks with the party logo that read “space for neutrality” and “space for peace”.

Wolfgang Sobotka, the president of Austria’s lower house of parliament, promised additional financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and says Ukraine deserves Austria’s solidarity.

FPÖ has been criticised in the past for its pro-Russian stance and was the only party to oppose Mr Zelensky’s address.

Austria’s “permanent neutrality” has been part of its constitution since 1955. The law states “Austria will never in the future accede to any military alliances nor permit the establishment of military bases of foreign states on her territory”.