At a local inspection “Krone” in St. Georgen im Attergau in Upper Austria, there was massive criticism after the decision to receive 100 additional asylum seekers in Thalham. The population and local politicians feel overwhelmed by the federal government’s decision and protests are planned.
“I’m so angry. We’re being run over, and we’re being relegated to emergency aid. Communication is not the order of the day – if you’re looking for a contact, you’re just pushed everywhere,” said Mayor Ferdinand Aigner (ÖVP) of St. Georgen/A. “That’s not the best way,” agrees Green City Councilor Reinhard Kaiblinger, criticizing the tent accommodation: “It’s crazy, at low temperatures!”
After Friday’s bad news from the Home Office that tents for up to 100 male refugees had been set up on the grounds of the First Reception Center (EAST) in Thalham, the next blow came on Saturday: the tents were set up right next to a settlement.
Children’s room only 9 meters away
“Our nine-year-old’s room is only five meters away. So far there is a huge noise level at night, he often wakes up. Now we are in despair. How should our children sleep?” asks Monika Breitenthaller (29).
Her neighbor Herma Pesl is also outraged: “It is getting worse, there are always problems. From the window I see how they smuggle alcohol into the camp, and then there is usually commotion. My tenants have a small child, I’m afraid they move now.”
change of residence
Barbara Fürbass (28) and her family are seriously considering changing their place of residence: “We are very concerned. There are already constant incidents in the camp where the police have to intervene – alcohol, drugs and fights. Some refugees enter properties and garages unsolicited, or lie drunk on the sidewalk.”
There were also unpleasant incidents in Cynthia Simai’s (53) fashion store. “I have often been in court and with the police,” says the entrepreneur. Groups of up to eight men wouldn’t come to buy anything. She has installed a camera.
Mayor Aigner plans cross-party protests: “If necessary, we will block the highway.”
Comment “Crown”: Crisis management works differently
Unfortunately, it is a pathetic picture that federal politics paints in the case of the current refugee influx. The number of asylum seekers has been rising for months. It was foreseeable that new shelters were urgently needed. But instead of building forward, people apparently sat their hands on their laps and waited for the presidential election. To suddenly sound the alarm and set up tents in EAST Thalham in one go. And that in a community that has been overburdened for years when it comes to refugees. The locals have to scoop the soup again. That’s called crisis management!
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.
