“See the need and act” – “Uncomfortable” new Caritas boss warns politicians

At a time of ‘growing uncertainty and resignation’, the 40-year-old did not expect the years to be easy for Caritas. The central point remains the fight against poverty in Austria. “Even if no one in Austria has to starve or freeze to death, there are far too many people starving and freezing,” and this number continues to rise despite the government’s measures.

The wave of inflation has been well absorbed for many people, but that should not obscure the fact that “our social system has holes.” In particular, she called for reform of social assistance and unemployment benefits. There is also an urgent need for more childcare places.

Words of warning to the government
Both Tödtling-Musenbichler and Michael Landau emphasized that Caritas was taking a “more feminine path” with her at the helm. “Caritas is characterized by many strong women, in healthcare institutions, but also at management level,” says Tödtling-Musenbichler. However, she also drew attention to the fact that care work is still dominated by women and entails disadvantages for women, such as lower pensions. “Yes, we can show solidarity, but that also depends on how politics determines the course,” said the new Caritas boss, appealing to political decision-makers.

Her future deputy, the Viennese Caritas director Alexander Bodmann, also emphasized solidarity. “In a globalized world, we cannot shift our responsibilities,” he said. “It is our job to help everyone professionally and quickly.” In view of the renewed conflict in the Middle East, we should not forget other crisis regions such as Ukraine, Armenia or Syria. Bodmann also warned of the dangers of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim racism, both of which are on the rise.

‘Thunberg’s statements must be rejected’
Climate change should also not be forgotten. “Climate stickers are annoying many people at the moment and Greta Thunberg’s latest statements should be clearly rejected. “But that should not distract from the fact that industrialized countries such as Austria do not take their responsibility in the fight against climate change seriously,” Bodmann said. Those who contribute the least are most affected by climate change.

In his final press conference in this role, outgoing President Michael Landau highlighted what has been achieved in recent years – such as improvements in healthcare, hospice and palliative care and a society that has become generally more inclusive of people with disabilities.

“The Gospel is not a party program”
Caritas’ mission is to “see the need and act” and this is the same under every federal government. “For our dealings with politics, this means: as much cooperation as possible and as much criticism as necessary.” Landau emphasized: “The Gospel is not a party program.”

Landau then bade farewell to the current Turquoise-Green coalition: They have done many things well; Without the billions in aid, many people would be even more severely affected by poverty. At the same time, the government should not deny poverty.

“Good groundwater level of charity”
The simultaneous occurrence of multiple crises worries many. “The challenges we face are enormous. But there is also a good water table of philanthropy in this country.” Landau himself wants to continue to promote “hope and trust and against fear” in the future, in his role as president of Caritas Europa.