“Very big task” – Lower Austria wants to stop radical Islam

State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) and LH deputy Udo Landbauer (FPÖ) announced a corresponding action plan against radical Islam on Monday in Schloßhof. These are “effective measures” and more measures are needed to combat radical Islam “with all seriousness and consistency”, Mikl-Leitner emphasized.

This is a “very big task”. An action plan must therefore be developed. An extensive analysis of the problem areas was carried out in Schloßhof. The sociologist Kenan Güngör is involved in the process. As stipulated in the working agreement between the ÖVP and FPÖ, the action plan will include an advisory and observation center against radical political Islam, the state governor said.

Concerns about the parallel society
Mikl-Leitner also recalled her call for harsher penalties for parents who violate their duty to participate in the integration of their children at school. She also described as a problem that about 60 percent of Islamic religious teachers working in Lower Austria have been trained abroad. Careful attention must be paid to the worldview conveyed there. Last but not least, we need to think about the moment when Muslim girls are pushed into a parallel society and are not allowed to participate in gymnastics or swimming lessons.

Landbauer wants a zero-tolerance strategy
Landbauer described political Islam as the “greatest threat and danger to our democracy, the rule of law and security in our country.” It is also a big problem in Austria. Radical Islam is on the rise and has become a very explosive source of danger in recent years. It is therefore a matter of a determined struggle; no compromises should be made.

Landbauer announced a zero-tolerance strategy against those who hid their dangerous political ideology under the guise of faith. The breeding ground for radical tendencies must be removed from the outset. When it comes to the action plan, they want to “pick up the pace,” Mikl-Leitner said. “We need very clear answers.” Landbauer added that he is confident he will be able to present something “in a manageable amount of time” and this year.

SPÖ has “reached out both hands for months”
SPÖ state party leader, regional councilor Sven Hergovich, “months ago stretched out both hands to jointly adopt a law banning political Islam,” state MP Kathrin Schindele (SPÖ) recalled in a broadcast. “It is a shame that the ÖVP and FPÖ are once again taking so long to identify problem areas.” According to Mikl-Leitner’s statements, there is actually nothing preventing Hergovich’s proposal from being decided.

But it’s also about the budget
Mikl-Leitner is also clear that the economy should not be further burdened in difficult economic times. However, Lower Austria wants to achieve a zero deficit by 2030 and continue to create space for future investments. Therefore, a comprehensive critique of the country’s future tasks will be carried out. Lower Austria must “become even more efficient”.

The health pact for Lower Austria was also discussed in Schloßhof, which, according to Mikl-Leitner, is being developed across party lines by state councilors Ludwig Schleritzko (ÖVP), Christoph Luisser (FPÖ) and Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig (SPÖ). and together with more than 50 experts. Landbauer referred to the goal of guaranteeing 21 primary care units (PVZ) nationwide by 2028 – in all district capitals and statutory cities – and at least one pediatric PVZ in each of the five supply regions.