The ÖVP announces a big hit with childcare. Minister of the Family Susanne Raab presents many figures, objectives and problem areas. It’s going to be a huge job.
The numbers pour out of Susanne Raab, as if the family minister has not been able to speak for months. On Tuesday, she succinctly explained the government’s planned tour de force, which Raab’s ÖVP boss and Chancellor Karl Nehammer had surprisingly announced during the summer talks the day before.
Another 4.5 billion is available for childcare places, a problem area as large as it is old. By 2030, every family that wants to should be able to house children. From the first year of life. The focus is mainly on the youngest children up to three years old. They want to place an extra 50,000 here. “It is important that women have the freedom to work full-time as soon as possible,” says Raab. She calls the women conscious. Because they still bear the great burden of childcare. And lose working hours and thus pension rights.
Big question: who will pay how much?
“We are going to double the pace compared to the past few years.” The graph shows the development (see below). By 2023, the share of children cared for in VIF-compliant facilities – compatible with full-time employment – should reach 75 percent. That means: weekly opening hours of at least 45 hours, 9.5 hours a day on four days, at least 47 weeks a year. Thanks to these facilities you can work full time. Who should pay for this? And how do you ideally get uniform rules, especially since the competence lies with the federated states? The comparison should succeed in the context of financial equalization. “The federal government, the federal states that we have been supporting since 2008, and the municipalities must come to a solution together.” The figure of 4.5 billion is the result of an analysis made together with EcoAustria.
Criticism and encouragement for the advance
The institute is currently refining the concept. However, the main problem can be addressed by Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP). Already plagued by a lack of teachers, he is now supposed to lure the teachers into the stormy healthcare offensive. You have to make the job more attractive, says Raab. There would be enough money. However, like Nehammer, Raab does not consider a legal claim wise. “First you need the preconditions and the teachers.”
The opposition considers the announcement implausible (Family spokesperson NEOS Bernhard). “Completely absurd, Nehammer has not lifted a finger for years,” said SPÖ director Seltenheim. For the union it is “marketing shaming.” AK president Anderl says more money is needed. And, of course, the cooperation of the federal states. The Greens, the Federation of Industry and the Chamber of Commerce welcome this step as an important investment. One thing is certain: for the big hit it takes enormous effort.
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.
