The Vorarlberg ÖVP with regional councilor Christian Gantner and club president Roland Breakfast presented stricter rules for those seeking protection. Those who do not adhere to this will have to expect faster and higher benefit reductions in the future.
“We are the only state that offers paid German courses. People have a roof over their heads, food and pocket money,” emphasizes ÖVP club chairman Roland Breakfast. For him it is clear: whoever gets something, must also give something. He provides ten to fifteen hours of community service per week for communities, organizations or clubs. “Voluntary cooperation in particular makes contacts possible and helps to break down walls.”
“Vorarlberg Codex” is the name of the document that should specify the new rules of the game. So far there is only one draft, which is still being checked for legality. In the future, however, the rules must be signed by every newcomer and of course adhered to.
At the same time, the ‘Vorarlberg Integration Agreement’ introduced in 2016 will become the ‘Integration Agreement Plus’. “Refugees who have the right to stay commit to learning German, finding a job and adhering to our values,” says State Integration Councilor Christian Gantner, outlining the key points already known. What is new is that the agreement, which has been somewhat forgotten, is being brought to attention again and is being tightened up. The agreement now also applies in the event of a negative asylum decision. In addition, in the event of violations, financial support to people receiving basic care should be reduced more quickly and to a greater extent.
Deportations – fast and without exceptions
Gantner also does not waste any time if an asylum decision is negative. “It must be deployed consistently and quickly. Appropriate arrangements must be made – especially when it comes to criminals being repatriated,” he demands. In principle, the procedures must be carried out quickly. If this takes longer and a well-integrated candidate receives a negative decision, Ganter advocates not making exceptions: “Such situations are few and far between, but here too we must proceed with the utmost strictness. The procedures are fair. There may be individual cases that can hurt, but we have to remain consistent.”
Almost a year before the state elections, the Vorarlberg People’s Party is doing its utmost to show strength and lead. In order not to completely offend their fellow party members who are close to the green coalition partner, Gantner and Breakfast also try to emphasize the Christian-social aspects. “We clearly want to ensure that people who are persecuted or fleeing armed conflict receive asylum with us,” Breakfast emphasizes.
“German courses are a given”
As far as SPÖ leader Mario Leiter is concerned, he could have spared himself these punishments. The Social Democrat was outraged by the fact that the ÖVP prides itself on offering free German courses. “This is of course true. How else would integration be possible?” asks Leiter. According to him, the idea of allowing asylum seekers to work for free for five, ten or fifteen hours in the non-profit sector is legally questionable.
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.
