After Interior Minister Gerhard Karner spoke out on Tuesday in favor of ‘knife exclusion zones’ in public spaces, Michael Ludwig also spoke to the ‘Krone’ on Wednesday. The mayor of Vienna agrees with this, is also in favor of weapons ban zones and is in favor of a scheme for the whole of Austria.
Ludwig emphasized on the sidelines of the Vienna SPÖ meeting that he had already spoken out in favor of a nationwide tightening of the laws in 2019, when weapons ban zones were introduced at the Danube Canal and Praterstern in Vienna. Now we need to talk not only about no-gun zones, but also about tightening access to weapons and regular checks – both in terms of regulatory compliance and ‘mental fitness’.
“No one takes away the hunter’s weapons”
Of course, there must be exceptions, because “no one takes away the hunter’s weapons,” says Ludwig. Traditional clubs and groups that carry weapons for professional reasons should also be taken into account by the law. “Butter knives are of course also exempt – there just needs to be clear legal rules so that the police can execute them.” But you don’t have to “start from scratch: that already exists in other countries.”
“It is not clear to me why someone would appear in public with a firearm or stabbing weapon. More weapons does not mean more security, but rather more insecurity,” said Ludwig, also referring to the US and the high number of gun victims there. He doesn’t have a gun of his own. The most dangerous thing he has in this regard is “a steak knife in the house.” He calls for “zero tolerance for violence, especially violence against children and women.”
“They are not the ones who regulate asylum and immigration”
Ludwig counters opposition criticism that the recent acts of violence against women in Vienna are evidence of a “failure of integration” in Vienna, citing responsibilities under federal law: “All questions of immigration, asylum and integration fall within the authority of the federal government. government. We in the city are dealing with the situation, but we are not the ones who regulate asylum and immigration. We just try to deal with the situation we find ourselves in as best we can.” We try to integrate, but in the end we are still a “co-pilot,” says Ludwig.
Karner for “knife exclusion zones”
After authorities recorded a significant increase in violence and stabbing attacks over the past decade, Interior Minister Karner (ÖVP) spoke out in favor of “knife exclusion zones” in the ‘Krone’ interview.
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.
