Norbert Hofer
Statement
Norbert Hofer is the son of a local councillor and electric power station director from Burgenland, Austria’s easternmost and least prosperous state. He trained as an aeronautical engineer and first worked at Lauda Air. He has four children and is a gun enthusiast, carrying his Glock handgun with him on the campaign trail.
Following the UK Brexit result, Mr Hofer suggested that Austria might also hold a referendum. However, he later told Die Presse that he was not in favour of an Austrian exit from the European Union.
He has stated that “Islam has no place in Austria”, and during his campaign he warned he would not hesitate to dissolve the government – a presidential prerogative – if it did not act against immigration.
We have written to Mr Hofer and invited him to respond to our two standard questions:
1. If you are elected, what will you do for the rest of us, around the world?
2. What is your vision for your country's role in the world?
So far we have not received a response but we'll keep trying until the poll closes.