Racist Oktoberfest video: Tyrol ÖVP official apologises, party condemns
A video filmed at Munich's Oktoberfest has triggered strong criticism in Tyrol of a vegetable farmer from the Hall area who is an official of a local ÖVP group in the Innsbruck Land district. In the clip, viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social media, the man and several companions repeatedly ask a Black influencer where he comes from. The official then tells him to go home, saying he is not at home here and that the Germans are white. The influencer stayed calm, filmed the exchange and posted it himself.
The official published an apology on social media on Friday evening, saying he had been drunk and stupid. About 13 hours later the apology was no longer visible. ÖVP district leader Cornelia Hagele condemned the remarks and said the Tyrolean party distances itself clearly, adding that an apology is a start but does not undo what was said. SPÖ club leader Elisabeth Fleischanderl and Greens club leader Gebi Mair also condemned the remarks. Mair said businesses that depend on foreign workers should show more respect: "They are not just cheap labour, they are people." The Tyrol vegetable growers' association, to which the man's farm belongs, said racism has no place in the association, especially as its members employ people from many nations.
The case has started a debate about how people of colour and workers from abroad are treated in Tyrol. No legal or party consequences have been announced so far.
What you can do: if you experience racist abuse in Austria, you can report it to ZARA, the counselling centre for victims of racism, and to the police when insults or threats are involved. Keep evidence such as videos, the names of witnesses, and the date and place.