The point of contention: migration – Mikl-Leitner: “I expect a response from the government”

“Kron”: In recent days there were GeryouThink you kOcould become EU commissioner… Is there something to that?
Johanna Mikl Leitner: (Laughs) I’m hearing that for the first time. I am governor of Lower Austria and I would like to remain so.

How satisfied are you with coalition partner FP?O?
We found a way to work together in a professional manner. And we are gradually completing our work program, with more than 200 points.

And atmospherearis? They didn’t workOvery enthusiastic about the swearing-in …
It is a good collaboration, both professionally and objectively…

One has the impression that the FPO now be tame … If you think about which proverbyouThere are still conflicts and aggression during the election campaignOrt hat …
I expect a good tone in a partnership. Especially at a time of global crises and challenges, when things are becoming louder and more radical everywhere, we need calm and normal behavior in our own country. I’m out and about every day talking to people. The daily reporting about the violence in Ukraine and Gaza already creates sufficient uncertainty among the population.

Anti-Semitic VorfaThey are increasing dramatically here. They want in here Yesmore advanced approach.
Yes, stricter sanctions and rules are needed. Unfortunately, this is currently topic number 1. Something has been moving since the Hamas terror. And I expect all religious communities, including the Islamic community, to distance themselves from anti-Semitism and do convincing work in this area. Both in mosques and in schools. Because we do not accept the development of counter-societies in our country.

Is the Islamic community not distancing itself enough from terror and anti-Semitism?
There may be zero tolerance here. And the anti-Semitism report clearly shows that people from Muslim countries in particular downplay the Holocaust. I expect similar responses here.

Die OVP steps strongly against hostility towards Israel and anti-Semitism. Your coalition partner Udo Landbauer is hereyoumore reserved. He also took care of fyour commotion with the so-called „Songbook monkeyyour”… How does that work?
We have clearly stated in our working agreement that we will do everything we can to combat anti-Semitism and cultivate and make visible Jewish culture. We are currently renovating the synagogue in St. Pölten and the Jewish cemeteries. And every member of the government has signed it too. That was important to me.

Have we ignored developments like those in Germany?angt or overslept?
Either way, there is a need for action; tightening citizenship laws is a clear demand. Citizenship is the final step of integration. The minimum waiting period should be increased from 6 to 10 years. Compulsory citizenship courses are also needed. It certainly costs money, but it must be worth it to us. Ultimately, it’s about our values ​​and traditions. This also includes the right to exist of the State of Israel.

What is your opinion about the asylum law based on the Vorarlberg model?
Any suggestion to improve integration should be supported. We’re looking at it. As part of our ‘zero tolerance initiative’, we are also targeting schools as we notice an increase in radicalism and disrespect towards teachers. Some students even act as moral guardians when girls try to take off their headscarves during gym class. If all else fails, parents of families who do not want to integrate will eventually be punished with fines.

So as in Vorarlberg KyouReduction of social benefits for non-compliance?
This is certainly an approach we should take. I expect that the federal government will examine all these proposals and that there should be sanctions across the board.

General for OVP. You are already in the election campaign. Kickl has been far ahead in all research for months. How does she want it? OFollow VP?
These are snapshots and you would do well not to get involved in polemics, but to pursue factual politics. There are plenty of challenges. But yes, when the time comes, we will do everything we can to ensure that the ÖVP crosses the finish line with Karl Nehammer as number 1. He proves that he is a good crisis manager and chancellor.

Nehammer says never with Kickl. How do you see that?
I support Karl Nehammer in all his assessments – that also applies to this issue.

The SPO is with Andreas Babler on the leftyouckt, also the economic programs including VermOincome taxes, 6 weeks holiday, division of working hoursyourzung etc. It depends on the election fyour die ÖVP forRamObalanced coalition?
In any case, this is the best program if you want to undermine the country’s competitiveness and prosperity. Mr. Babler is a safe bet for this.