Gudrun Kofler FPÖ Politician Faces Backlash After Liking Neo-Nazi Post

A Tirol-based member of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has faced public criticism after liking a social media post by Robert Rundo, a known neo-Nazi influencer associated with the “Schwarze Sonne” (Black Sun) symbol, according to reports from ORF Tirol and local media outlets.

Who is Robert Rundo?

Robert Rundo, an American far-right activist, is the founder of the “Active Club” network and the “W2R – Will to Rise” movement, which promotes authoritarian and violent masculine ideologies. His Instagram profile, under the handle “Rundo W2R,” features content glorifying white supremacy and includes a tattoo of the Black Sun, a symbol banned in Austria due to its association with extremist groups, according to the Austrian Center for the Prevention of Violent Extremism.

What is the Schwarze Sonne Symbol?

The Black Sun, a stylized sun with a central eye, is a recurring emblem in neo-Nazi and white supremacist circles. It has been linked to historical fascist movements and is prohibited in Austria under the country’s extremism laws. Rundo’s tattoo, visible in a photo posted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, drew immediate scrutiny from anti-extremism advocates.

How Did the Controversy Unfold?

Gudrun Kofler, an FPÖ representative in Tirol, initially liked Rundo’s post, which included the Black Sun imagery and comments with far-right terminology. The “Like” was later removed after criticism from the Green Party’s Gebi Mair, who accused the FPÖ of normalizing extremism. “This cannot happen in a democratic party,” Mair stated, adding that the incident highlighted a broader pattern of the FPÖ’s proximity to far-right figures.

What Legal and Social Implications Exist?

The legal status of social media “Likes” remains debated in Austria. While the Supreme Court (OGH) ruled in June 2023 that a “Like” does not automatically constitute explicit approval, experts argue that public endorsements can still amplify extremist messages. Rundo, who has prior convictions for organizing violent protests in the U.S., was sentenced in 2024 for inciting violence at political demonstrations, according to BBC and The Guardian reports.

FPÖ’s Response and Broader Context

Kofler admitted to a “mistake” in a statement, claiming she had not followed Rundo’s profile and only saw the post incidentally. However, critics like Gebi Mair argue the incident reflects a systemic issue within the FPÖ. The party has faced repeated scrutiny for ties to far-right groups, including a 2023 controversy involving a joint appearance with Identitarian Movement leaders.

As Austria continues to grapple with far-right influences, the incident underscores the challenges of regulating extremist content online and the political consequences of social media engagement.