Stephen Fry Celebrates Austrian Citizenship Amid Upcoming Election

British actor Stephen Fry has lauded Austria for granting him citizenship under a 2019 law aimed at addressing Austria's Nazi-era crimes. Fry, whose grandparents were Austrian refugees, can now vote in Austria's parliamentary election. This move allows many descendants of Nazi victims to gain Austrian citizenship and vote.

British actor Stephen Fry has lauded Austria for granting him citizenship, allowing him to vote in the forthcoming parliamentary election. The change in law aims to address Austria's Nazi-era crimes by granting citizenship to descendants of those who fled Nazi rule.

In a recent interview, Fry called the 2019 law a 'noble gesture.' He shared that his grandparents were Austrian refugees and mentioned his great-grandparents' Holocaust deaths. Fry expressed his pride in becoming an Austrian citizen and urged others to participate in the Sept. 29 election.

He also remarked on the significance of regaining European Union citizenship in light of Brexit. About 33,000 people have acquired this right since the law's passage, which was initiated by an OVP-FPO coalition. The upcoming election is expected to be tight, with the far-right Freedom Party leading in polls. Fry signaled concerns over rising right-wing support globally.

(With inputs from agencies.)