The air is literally silent. And is – to say the least – not good. It is Monday afternoon, we are in the refugee house in Kufstein. The correct name, says State Security Councilor Astrid Mair, is “Refugee Waiting Room”. The “Krone” accompanies the politician to an on-site inspection.
The mayor of the fortified town, Martin Krumschnabel, and representatives of the federal police are also present. There are currently about 50 people in the waiting area, all men, from all over the world. They are waiting for an order. Unlike the sky, the atmosphere is good. And so, after a short tour of the hall, we gladly accept the offer “for a round of fresh air” from BM Krumschnabel. The wooden hut, which now serves as a waiting area, was built in 2015 during the large wave of refugees. “It was a bit busier back then,” Krumschnabel recalls.
‘150 refugees no problem for Kufstein’
The 50 people at the moment are no problem at all. Next to the hut, under the highway, where the Kufstein Corona test road is currently located, a container village for 150 refugees is currently being built. Incidentally, the original location at the former barracks was rejected again – because it was too close to the residential area. “For a city the size of Kufstein, 150 refugees are no problem at all,” says Krumschnabel in solidarity. Solidarity – that’s what he wants from all Tyrolean cities. “It doesn’t need quotas, just a little solidarity. Then we will accommodate the refugees,” says Kufstein’s city manager.
charge against the EU
The State Council thinks the same way. But she has very clear ideas about the migration situation. Away from social romance, because the former policewoman does not belong there – she was recently a district police commander in Kufstein. She’s been through and seen too much in the last 20 years. “Asylum should only be granted to those who are entitled to it under the Geneva Refugee Convention. We have no resources for economic refugees,” LR Mair said in a clear statement. Unfortunately, the EU has completely failed here: “Uniform rules for the entire EU area have been needed for a long time! But each country does its own thing.” On the part of Austria, she calls for a more courageous implementation of the measures – as is the case in Germany.
“Whoever has no right, we will not let in at all”
“We know exactly who is entitled to asylum. Individuals from India, Pakistan and most African countries are not included. And if I can establish that at the border, then I won’t even let this person into the country,” says Mair, who also wrote a master’s thesis on “Asylum abuse in Austria”. This saves a lot of money and bureaucracy. capacity for those who are actually entitled to asylum Asylum procedures can be completed much more quickly.
Vouchers instead of cash
She also wants changes in the financial support for asylum seekers: instead of cash (depending on the accommodation, between approximately 300 and 500 euros per month), there will be vouchers for food, such as clothing and groceries. “In this way we prevent Austrian tax money from being transferred abroad,” says Mair, who generally prefers a voucher option for food and clothing.
A security concept for all TSD accommodations
In addition, it will have an adequate security concept drawn up for all TSD accommodations in the country. “It has to be made by people who also have an idea about the subject,” concludes LR Astrid Mair.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
