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 apparently politically [[liberal|politically]] and possibly [[Theological liberalism|theologically liberal]]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==