Older people in particular despair of a situation that can almost only be achieved online. A “Krone” reader demands that politicians take a stand. We asked about him. But the seniors themselves are also mobilizing and making demands of the next government.
Mr. G. feels like ‘the last piece of trash’. He complained about this in a cry for help to the “Krone” (see facsimile below). The reason? He does not have a computer or printer and because he is physically disabled and 85 years old, he no longer has the confidence to use them. As a result, he sees himself as a citizen on the sidelines in an increasingly digitalized state, like more and more others.
More and more applications are only possible online
Mr G. is interested in an exemption from the ORF fee, but there are already plenty of other examples where the state can only be reached online: repair bonus, financing for heating replacement, most recently the craft bonus. The list keeps getting longer and longer. Mr. G. is surprised that this is hardly an issue for politics and wonders: “Which party is really committed to people’s problems?” We have demanded answers from the parliamentary parties on behalf of him and everyone else involved.
The ÖVP and the Greens naturally defend the movement towards a digital state. They point to their obligation to keep administrative costs low: Smaller subsidies, especially for citizens, would otherwise not be possible, because the effort would otherwise not justify the amounts paid, they argue. Both parties emphasize that communities provide support for online applications.
The current opposition parties do not have to worry about a tight budget: they unanimously demand the right to offline official channels. The SPÖ and Neos also see communities as the best points of contact, while the FPÖ sees direct contacts in offices.
The state itself is not digitally proficient everywhere
For the Neos, however, the state itself is a digital latecomer: by linking the data of different authorities into simpler processes from passport to registration office, the state is at fault and could save enormous amounts of money. Amounts that can also be used to finance analogue official channels.
The Senior Council wants clear text from parties before the elections
The senior representatives are now increasing the pressure: the Senior Council has set up a round table with 27 members in which the business community and science participate, as well as interest groups and associations. The first meeting took place on Tuesday – we reported.
Further discussions at the round table should result in a fixed list of demands by the end of the summer, which the parties can agree on in the ongoing National Council election campaign – or not. You should not forget the following: approximately one fifth of eligible voters in Austria are over 65 years old.
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.
