The Austrian parties seem to be far from in agreement about the so-called “Asylum Seeker Code” from Vorarlberg. While Ernst Gödl (ÖVP) emphasizes its usefulness under the motto ‘promote and demand’, fellow discussants from the SPÖ and NEOS accuse him in the krone.tv conversation with Katia Wagner of wanting ‘forced labour’.
Vienna’s city councilor for Social Affairs, Peter Hacker, confirms that “more is possible” when it comes to integration, but for him the obligation of asylum seekers to perform community service is a problem under labor law. It is not covered by the Human Rights Convention to force people to do unpaid work. “I’m tired of constant, empty muscle flexibility,” he says plainly. There must also be a corresponding wage for work.
“Ask for something in return”
The ÖVP’s integration spokesperson, Ernst Gödl, believes that state social benefits for charity work are already sufficient. “We demand a certain amount back from the people who come to us,” he explains. He does not want to open the labor market to asylum seekers, because for him labor migration and asylum would be confused. According to Gödl, no jobs are threatened by the proposal because there is a labor shortage everywhere.
“Suggestions are stupid”
This objection causes the other integration speaker in the group, Yannick Shetty (NEOS), to shake his head. He does not understand why asylum seekers are not allowed to work regularly in times of labor shortages. He is certain that by working you are “less likely to end up on the criminal path”. “Integration policies must be conducted smartly and not as stupidly as the proposals on the table,” says Shetty.
That’s why nothing happens when it comes to integration…
Domestic policy journalist Petja Mladenova from “Krone” sees this discussion as the beginning of the election campaign. “Because of this hiccup, nothing is moving forward in many areas. It is always the other person’s fault and that is why there is little progress because you are not willing to do something together,” Mladenova explains.
Watch the entire conversation above! You can see “Katia Wagner – the talk” every Wednesday at 9:15 PM on krone.tv! Join the discussion and vote!
Every Wednesday, Katia Wagner discusses socio-political issues affecting Austria with guests from politics and society in the show of the same name.
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.
