The financial pressure has increased for many people in Austria. “The queues for the Caritas food editions are getting longer and longer.” Especially the lower third now urgently needs further support measures, says Caritas director of the Archdiocese of Vienna, Klaus Schwertner in the krone.tv conversation with Jana Pasching.
Problems related to housing, rents and energy costs, as well as increased food prices, are the main concerns for people living in poverty.
The first contacts at the social advice centers increased by more than 50 percent in the past year. “Many people think twice about contacting us at all because they are ashamed of their situation,” Schwertner reports from personal conversations. Caritas has already expanded its aid offerings due to increased demand. There are now 71 centers for social guidance.
According to Schwernter, the gap between rich and poor has widened in recent months. This is also evident from a study by the Boston Consulting Group. A third of all financial wealth in Austria is in the hands of the 335 richest people.
It is important to act now, even though politicians have already achieved a lot. This is how Schwertner praises the package against child poverty; One-off payments, on the other hand, would have yielded little. Moreover: According to Schwertner, the fact that the need-based minimum income was abolished and replaced by social assistance, which was totally inadequate, turned out to be a mistake of the previous administration. Now would be the time to correct these errors.
In the video above you can see which reforms are still needed and why child poverty is especially visible during the holidays.
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Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
