The NEOS want to promote democratic consciousness with a new compulsory school subject. ‘Living in a democracy’ should be taught from the first grade of primary school through the entire school career. NEOS boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Viennese deputy mayor Christoph Wiederkehr justified this at a press conference on Friday, especially with an increase in anti-Semitic incidents. They appealed to federal politicians to support the project.
Since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, rising religious tensions and cultural conflicts have not stopped in the streets and schools of Vienna. Meinl-Reisinger spoke of a wave of hatred and radicalization. Anti-Semitic incidents in Vienna have almost quadrupled, including Wiederkehr. He talked about conversations with Jews from Vienna who were considering emigrating to Israel for this reason.
Liberal democracy, which makes a pluralistic and open society possible and guarantees freedoms such as freedom of religion, assembly and expression, must therefore be defended. The NEOS boss wants to start with schools and not only lift the wings of the children there, but also “the wings of democracy”. There are currently numerous external offers for schools, but these would not be sufficient to “defend a robust democracy,” Wiederkehr said.
NEOS started a petition on the website
The new subject should have a special curriculum and teach all children basic democratic values and principles. Political education must also be part of this, says Wiederkehr. The NEOS also started a petition on their website. On Monday, Meinl-Reisinger said she was inviting people to a round table that included experts and teachers. She will then approach all parties; its goal is broad consensus.
Interdisciplinary approach required
In any case, the subject must be interdisciplinary. According to her, there is no need for a separate pedagogical training, according to the NEOS boss. Teachers who teach philosophy, history, or political education can also present “Living in a Democracy” to the class.
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.
