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Norbert Hofer

2017-07-10T16:56:32Z

George Washington:

[[File:Norbert Hofer.jpg|thumb|300px|Norbert Hofer (center)]]
'''Norbert Hofer''' (born March 2, 1971) is a conservative and [[Euroskeptic]] [[Austria]]n politician and a member of the [[Freedom Party of Austria]] (FPÖ). He is most famous for his unsuccessful campaign for Austrian president in 2016, a very close race, and for being the Third President of the National Council (one of three members).

==Early life==
Hofer was born on March 2, 1971 in Vorau in eastern Austria.<ref name="Parliament">[https://www.parlament.gv.at/ENGL/WWER/NR/Hofer/index.shtml Ing. Norbert Hofer - Third President of the National Council]. ''Republic of Austria - Parliament''. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref> He completed secondary engineering school in 1990 with a specialization in aeronautics.<ref name="Parliament"/> After serving his legally mandated military service, in 1990-91, Hofer served as an aeronautical engineer for Austrian Airlines from 1991-94.<ref name="Parliament"/>

==Early political career==
Starting in 1994, Hofer started working for the FPÖ, first as an organization officer in the [[Burgenland]] chapter of the party and eventually advancing to positions of party leadership.<ref name="Parliament"/> Hofer has held several positions of party leadership<ref name="Parliament"/> and he served as an advisor to FPÖ leader [[Heinz-Christian Strache]].<ref name="TheGuardian"/>

In 1997, Hofer was elected a council member of the City of Eisenstadt, a position he would serve in until 2007.<ref name="Parliament"/> In 2005, he became the deputy chairman of the national FPÖ, and the next year he was elected to the Austrian National Council.<ref name="Parliament"/> In October 2013, Hofer became the Third President (third most senior leader, after the [[Austrian People's Party]] and Social Democratic Party leaders).<ref name="Parliament"/> In 2016, during the postponed presidential election, Hofer, along with the other two National Council presidents, served as the joint acting president of Austria.<ref>Tasch, Barbara (July 1, 2016). [http://www.businessinsider.com/austrian-court-just-overturns-presidential-election-narrowly-lost-by-a-far-right-candidate-2016-7?r=UK&IR=T An Austrian court just overturned the presidential election narrowly lost by a far-right candidate]. ''International Business Times''. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref>

==2016 Austrian presidential election==
[[File:Austrian presidential election 2016 round 1.png|thumb|300|Results of the first round of the 2016 Austrian presidential election, where the FPÖ (blue) received its best election result at the time (although it was surpassed in the two runoff elections).]]
Hofer ran for President of Austria (a largely ceremonial role) in 2016. In the first round of the election, Hofer received 35.1 percent of the vote, which at the time was the FPÖ's best result in a national election in its history.<ref>Troianovski, Anton (April 25, 2016). [http://www.wsj.com/articles/european-right-gets-boost-from-austrian-freedom-party-victory-1461598555 European Right Gets Boost From Austrian Freedom Party Victory]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 17, 2016.</ref> Although Hofer lost the run-off election by less than one percentage point, Austria’s Constitutional Court ordered a re-run of the election due to irregularities in mail-in ballots.<ref>Troianovski, Anton (June 1, 2016). [http://www.wsj.com/articles/austrian-court-orders-rerun-of-presidential-vote-1467369788 Austrian Court Orders Rerun of Presidential Vote]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrievd December 17, 2016.</ref> The election was eventually postponed until December 4, 2016.<ref>Connolly, Kate (September 12, 2016). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/12/austria-presidential-election-rerun-to-be-postponed-faulty-glue-ballot-papers Austrian presidential election postponed due to faulty glue]. ''The Guardian''. Retrieved December 17, 2016.</ref><ref>Tomlinson, Chris (September 13, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2016/09/13/fpo-austrian-election-delay-embarrassment/ Freedom Party Calls Austrian Election Delay An ‘Embarrassment’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 17, 2016.</ref>

Although Hofer faced a far-left<ref name="TheGuardian">Henley, Jon (May 23, 2016). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/23/who-are-men-competing-austrias-next-president-norbert-hofer-alexander-van-der-bellen Who are the two men who competed to be Austria's next president?] ''The Guardian''. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref> Green Party candidate in the runoff who supported increased European integration and immigration, despite evidence that contrary positions were necessary, many establishment "conservatives" (who actually align more with leftists) strongly opposed Hofer and endorsed his opponent, Alexander Van der Bellen.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (November 22, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2016/11/22/austrian-establishment-conservatives-back-far-left-candidate/ ‘Never Hofer’: Austrian Establishment Conservatives Back Far Left Candidate]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref> Hofer, however, received support from disillusioned working-class voters.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (November 18, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2016/11/18/like-trump-norbert-hofer-attracting-disillusioned-working-class-voters/ Like Trump, Austria’s Norbert Hofer Attracting Disillusioned Working Class Voters]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref> Additionally, far-left European leaders, who cannot tell the difference between a conservative and a [[Nazi]], slanderously compared Hofer to a "Nazi."<ref name="BreitbartOct24">Tomlinson, Chris (October 24, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2016/10/24/former-eu-head-likens-fpo-presidential-candidate-norbert-hofer-nazi/ Former EU Head Likens Austrian Presidential Candidate Norbert Hofer to a Nazi]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref>

Hofer lost the December 4 election, although the FPÖ vowed to fight on.<ref>Oliphant, Roland; Cseko, Balazs (December 4, 2016). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/05/time-comes-says-defiant-austrian-far-right-freedom-party-claims/ Austrian far-right defiant as Freedom Party claims 'pole position' for general election: 'Our time comes']. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved December 17, 2016.</ref>

It must be noted that as the campaign progressed, Hofer moderated his positions in order to attract more votes, something which possibly actually played a part in his defeat.<ref>McKenzie, Sheena (December 4, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/02/politics/austrian-election-norbert-hofer-profile/ Austrian presidential election: Who is Norbert Hofer?] ''CNN''. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref>

==Political positions==
While Hofer has been called "far-right" by [[Mainstream media|left-leaning media outlets]], he has described himself as "middle right" during the 2016 election.<ref name="RT">[https://www.rt.com/news/369054-austria-hofer-frontrunner-interview/ ‘I’m middle right, not far-right & I don’t like extremes’ – Austria’s frontrunner Hofer to RT]. ''RT''. December 2, 2016. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref> Hofer is a gun enthusiast and regularly carries a [[Glock]].<ref name="TheGuardian"/> He strongly opposes [[Islam]].<ref name="TheGuardian"/> Although Hofer is skeptical of the [[socialist]] and [[Globalism|globalist]] [[European Union]] and supports "putting Austria first,"<ref name="TheGuardian"/> he opposed a referendum to leave the power-hungry organization during the 2016 election (although he originally supported such a referendum before attempting to moderate his views).<ref name="RT"/> He still supported leaving the EU if [[Turkey (Nation)|Turkey]] joined.<ref name="RT"/>

During the 2016 Austrian presidential election, one of Hofer's campaign slogans was "So help me God," which was created to reflect Europe's strong [[Christianity|Christian]] heritage.<ref name="Protestant">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37749825 Austria Protestant leaders slam Hofer over 'God' slogan]. ''BBC''. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref> However, Protestant Christian leaders, who in Europe are [[liberal|politically]] and [[Theological liberalism|theologically]] radical liberal, criticized Hofer for the slogan because of his opposition to large-scale immigration—even though other biblical Christian options exist for helping refugees that promise less unnecessary upheaval.<ref name="Protestant"/><ref>Zaimov, Stoyan (October 25, 2016). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/church-leaders-lash-out-austrian-politician-invoking-god-campaign-slogan-171078/ Church Leaders Lash Out at Austrian Politician for Invoking 'God' in Campaign Speech]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref>

==Personal life==
Hofer converted from [[Roman Catholicism]] to [[Protestantism]]. First he said this was due to the Catholic Church becoming more and more liberal (literally a "left-catholic witchhunt"). Another time he said it was due to his belief that women should be clergy—a position unsupported and even spoken against in the [[Bible]] and one that theologically conservative Protestants also denounce.<ref name="BreitbartOct24"/> His wife and children remain Roman Catholic.<ref name="BreitbartOct24"/> Hofer has four children.<ref name="TheGuardian"/>

Due to a 2003 paragliding accident, Hofer walks with a cane.<ref name="TheGuardian"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.parlament.gv.at/ENGL/WWER/NR/Hofer/index.shtml Profile] at ''parlament.gv.at''

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hofer, Norbert}}

[[Category:Austrian Politicians]]
[[Category:European Politics]]
[[Category:Conservatives]]
[[Category:Loons]]

Category:Loons

2017-07-10T16:55:41Z

George Washington:

People who are looney.
[[Category:Birds]]

Viktor Orbán

2017-07-10T16:54:56Z

George Washington:

[[File:Viktor Orbán 2016-02-17.jpg|thumb|200px|Viktor Orbán]]
'''Viktor Mihály Orbán''' (31 May 1963 in [[Székesfehérvár]]) is a Hungarian conservative politician and is Prime Minister of Hungary since 29 May 2010 and from 1998 to 2002, he is a member and leader of the [[Fidesz]] party, which is moderately-[[Euroskeptic]] and [[Social conservatism|social-conservative]]. In his earlier years, Orbán ensured that Hungary joined [[NATO]] in 1999, joining despite Russia's opposition.

==Political views==
Orbán takes strong stands against mass immigration and [[George Soros]] and for national sovereignty and cultural Christian values.<ref name="Battlefield">Friedman, Victoria (April 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/04/16/battlefield-europe-stop-mass-migration-future-europe-viktor-orban/ Orban Easter Speech: ‘Battlefield Europe… Stop Mass Migration. The Future of Europe Is at Stake’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 16, 2017.</ref><ref>Williams, Thomas D. (April 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/04/27/george-soros-has-ruined-the-lives-of-millions-of-europeans-says-hungarian-prime-minister/ George Soros ‘Has Ruined the Lives of Millions of Europeans’ Says Hungarian Prime Minister]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref><ref>Tomlinson, Chris (July 10, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/07/10/viktor-orban-claims-european-union-following-soros-migrant-plans/ Viktor Orban: European Union Is Following ‘Soros Migrant Plans’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 10, 2017.</ref>

Orbán is one of the most outspoken opponents to the [[European migrant crisis]] and calls for a stronger border defense in [[Hungary]], he is also a defender of national interests and values. Unlike most other European heads-of-government, Orbán has taken a more conservative right-wing, common sense approach to the immigration crisis.<ref>Shaw, Adam (March 1, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/01/europes-pro-trump-outpost-populist-hungary-buoyed-by-us-shift-on-refugees-russia.html Europe's pro-Trump outpost: Populist Hungary buoyed by US shift on refugees, Russia]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.</ref> He has argued that the European Union's policies and attitudes favor terrorists.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (June 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/06/13/hungarian-orban-accuses-eu-favouring-terrorists/ Hungarian PM Orbán: ‘The European Union Is on the Side of Terrorists’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 13, 2017.</ref>

Orbán looks highly upon former United Kingdom Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher]].<ref name="Battlefield"/> He has also spoken positively of U.S. President [[Donald Trump]], stating that he speaks straightforwardly and that he and Trump agree on numerous issues.<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (June 8, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/08/hungarian-pm-with-trump-finally-someone-who-speaks-in-straightforward-manner/ Hungarian PM: With Trump, Finally Someone Who Speaks in ‘Straightforward Manner’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 8, 2017.</ref>

==Response to the European migrant crisis==
{{See also|European migrant crisis}}
In 2015, Hungary was overrun by refugees passing through the country. In response, Orbán built a border barrier along the border with [[Serbia]].<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/london/2016/09/19/successful-hungarian-border-fence-boosts-support-right-wing-government/ Successful Hungarian Border Fence Boosts Support Of Right Wing Government]. ''Breitbart'' (from ''Reuters''). September 19, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2017.</ref> The fence was so effective that [[illegal immigration]] levels dropped to levels seen before the crisis began.<ref>Lane, Oliver JJ (October 29, 2015). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2015/10/29/hold-hungarian-border-fence-so-effective-illegal-immigrants-are-now-at-pre-migrant-crisis-levels/ Hungarian Border Fence So Effective Illegal Immigrants Are Now At Pre Migrant-Crisis Levels]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 29, 2017.</ref> In April 2017, the Hungarian government completed construction of a second border fence, one with high-tech features, on the Serbian border.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/04/28/hungary-completes-second-anti-migrant-fence/ Hungary Completes Second Anti-Migrant Fence]. ''Breitbart News''. April 28, 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2017.</ref> Unlike most other European countries, Hungary's leadership has taken a more conservative right-wing, common sense approach to the immigration crisis.<ref>Shaw, Adam (March 1, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/01/europes-pro-trump-outpost-populist-hungary-buoyed-by-us-shift-on-refugees-russia.html Europe's pro-Trump outpost: Populist Hungary buoyed by US shift on refugees, Russia]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.</ref>
In the meanwhile Orban stated that his country will welcome European refugees fleeing the overrun Western European countries when the migrant crisis really runs out of hands.<ref>http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/02/11/hungary-will-welcome-true-refugees-germans-french-others-seeking-europe-lost-homelands/</ref> In March 2017, the Hungarian government refused a Swedish request to let 5,000 asylum seekers into its borders.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (March 28, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/03/28/hungary-refuses-5000-migrants-sweden/ Hungary Refuses to Take 5,000 Migrants From Sweden]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 28, 2017.</ref>

As Orbán himself noted, Hungary's policies likely saved all of Europe from an even greater and more catastrophic migrant crisis.<ref>Montgomery, Jack (April 4, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/04/04/orban-culture-hypocrisy-europe-gratitude-hungary-halting-migrant-influx/ Orban: ‘Hypocrisy’ Prevents Europe from Admitting Gratitude to Hungary for Halting Migrant Influx]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 4, 2017.</ref>

==Opposition to George Soros==
Orbán strongly opposed the ultra-liberal [[Central European University]] (founded and funded by [[George Soros]]) and on March 29, 2017 announced a new law which could close it.<ref>https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-29/soros-s-university-caught-in-orban-campaign-as-ceu-protests-law</ref> He stated that it was cheating students and breaking rules by awarding both a Hungarian and an American diploma, despite the university having no U.S. presence.<ref name="Cheating">[http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/03/31/soros-backed-university-cheating-says-hungarian-pm/ Soros-Backed University Is ‘Cheating’, Says Hungarian PM]. ''Breitbart News''. March 31, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/04/03/hungary-parliament-fast-track-bill-targeting-soros-university/ Hungary: Parliament to Fast-Track Bill Targeting Soros University]. ''Breitbart News''. April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref> He also opposed George Soros due to his efforts by supporting the [[European migrant crisis|massive immigration from Muslim nations into Europe]].<ref name="Cheating"/> On April 10, 2017, Hungary enacted a law tightening its standards for universities and thus threatening CEU's existence.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/04/11/hungary-president-signs-law-threatening-soros-university/ Hungary President Signs Law Threatening Soros University]. ''Breitbart News''. April 11, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref><ref>Sandford, Alasdair (April 10, 2017). [http://www.euronews.com/2017/04/10/hungary-defies-protests-to-pass-into-law-anti-soros-university-bill Hungary Defies Protests to Pass into Law 'Anti-Soros' University Bill]. ''Euronews''. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref>

Orbán passed another law in June 2017 ordering foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a certain revenue or higher to register as a "foreign-supported organisation," something thus targeting the NGOs funded by Soros.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (June 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/06/13/hungary-passes-law-tighten-rules-foreign-funded-ngos/ Anti Soros Law? Hungary Tightens Rules On Foreign-Funded NGOs]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 13, 2017.</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Orbán, Viktor}}
[[Category:Hungarian Politicians]]
[[Category:Conservatives]]
[[Category:Loons]]