On the occasion of the upcoming federal presidential elections on 9 October, a heated debate flared up again in Austria about obtaining citizenship. The reason for this is the fact that about 1.4 million eligible voters are excluded from voting because they do not have Austrian citizenship, but many of those affected have lived in Austria for a long time or were even born here. SOS Mitmensch strongly criticizes this and calls for a relaxation of the rules for access to citizenship. But the ÖVP again refuses. “We will not weaken Austrian citizenship or voting rights,” said Secretary General Laura Sachslehner.
“Not being able to vote gives a feeling of helplessness and powerlessness,” SOS Mitmensch criticized on Twitter.
“Pass Doesn’t Matter” on the Web
To take a stand against the exclusion of so many people in Austria from voting, the NGO organization is holding a “Passport No Matter Choice” on the internet until October 4.
There, all eligible voters can vote in the Hofburg elections, including those who are excluded from the official elections because of their non-Austrian citizenship.
SOS Mitmensch: “Austria last in Europe”
SOS Mitmensch warns of the negative consequences of excluding young people born and raised here from Austrian citizenship. “Austria is the last in Europe when it comes to access to citizenship. Every day, another 48 children are born here, who are declared “foreigners” by the state. Concrete measures to end this exclusion would strengthen our democracy and coexistence,” demands SOS Mitmensch spokesman Pollak.
Acquisition of citizenship: VP clearly rejects changes
A clear no to the weakening of citizenship and voting rights comes from the ÖVP. “The granting of citizenship comes at the end of a successful integration process. It comes with important permissions. This also applies to the right to vote, which gives you as a citizen the opportunity to help determine the future of your own country,” emphasizes Secretary-General Laura Sachslehner.
In Austria, there are clear and well-thought-out rules about who can vote and who cannot. “Changing this as part of an electoral law reform is out of the question for the People’s Party. We cannot just give away the right to vote, which is so important in a democracy. Citizenship and the right to vote are not good welcome gifts for anyone who successfully registers their residence,” Sachslehner said.
Source: Krone
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