Tiroler Tageszeitung, analysis, issue of April 20, 2023. By KARIN LEITNER. "When powerlessness becomes power".

2023-04-19 22:00:36

Innsbruck (OTS) – Many people feel powerless and not heard by politicians. They also think that their vote in an election is of no use. And then this: In Haslach, a small community on the border to the Czech Republic and Bavaria, citizens are enthusiastically committed to helping a family from India who has been living there for two and a half years and who is to be deported.
The mother is a cook and sacristan, the 21-year-old daughter is trained as a nurse, the 15-year-old son is in middle school and in the football club. All three speak good German, are popular and have friends. A prime example of integration. Even local blue fans aren’t railing against “those foreigners,” they want them to stay.
The cause does not stay local, it causes national attention and excitement. Reports and debates on ORF, on private TV, in print and online media. Experts, employee and business representatives, parliamentarians and members of the government, even the ÖVP Chancellor are questioned. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn supports Emilia and her children.
For days there has been discussion as to whether the legal requirements are suitable, whether, in view of the enormous shortage of workers, rethinking and reform should and must be done.
This is registered with astonishment and joy in Haslach. A small initiative quickly moves big politics. This shows once again: Commitment to a cause and moral courage are worthwhile.
Yes, the effort for the Indian family didn’t do anything immediately, they were expelled from the country. But something has started to move in Austria. The FPÖ will not change its position. However, the ÖVP will find it difficult to maintain its position in the fight for votes with the Freedom Party. As a business party, it cannot argue à la longue why integrated groups that are self-sustaining are deported in order to then fetch others. The absurd is not appreciated. Neither in Haslach nor anywhere else.