The call for stricter rules for refugees is getting louder. Vorarlberg led the way, Styria followed. Even red is open.
A codex from Vorarlberg is causing a stir. The ÖVP ruling requires refugees to sign a confirmation that they must, among other things, take German courses and perform community service. In case of violations, social benefits are reduced. Christopher Drexler added that the head of state can imagine a “Styrian Code” based on this model.
What are other countries saying? Thomas Stelzer (Upper Austria) said: “We promote integration, but we also demand that asylum seekers do something and respect our values. We were the first state to introduce a requirement to speak German in social assistance.” Stelzer also advocates that asylum seekers should perform community service. Lower Austrian Vice President Johanna Mikl-Leitner refers to measures at Deutsch that are anchored in the government program. “We are working on further developments.”
Red countries are divided. Vienna recognizes the fundamental problem. But, says city councilor Peter Hacker, “it is clear that the federal government is responsible. The ÖVP has been part of the Ministry of the Interior for 25 years, with a short interruption. Now people are complaining about conditions under their own jurisdiction.” There are extensive values and German courses in Vienna.
Carinthia’s head of state, Peter Kaiser, is open: “We made the proposal for a mandatory social and integration year some time ago. We will look at the code model very closely.”
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.
