VP-Mahrer/Hungerländer: Vienna is at its limit: social benefits under the microscope

2024-04-08 11:26:07

Vienna People’s Party calls for social benefits to be adjusted to deal with migration challenges and relieve the burden on the city

Vienna (OTS) – Referring to the article in the daily newspaper STANDARD from April 8, 2024 and the statements made therein by City Councilor Christoph Wiederkehr, state party chairman City Councilor Karl Mahrer states: “Vienna is facing major challenges in the areas of migration and integration. The latest developments show that the city is reaching its limits.” Mahrer continued:
“Vienna can no longer bear the burden alone. The excessive social benefits make the city a magnet within Austria for those entitled to asylum and subsidiary protection. Without aligning these benefits with other federal states, any request to share the burden will remain ineffective.”

The integration spokeswoman for the Vienna People’s Party, local councilor Caroline Hungerländer, points out the increasing number of students that has arisen as a result of family reunification and the acceptance of refugees from Ukraine. “Vienna can no longer manage this. City Councilor for Education Christoph Wiederkehr said it himself: The capacities are exhausted. Now we have to act. “There is therefore no need for compensation payments, but rather a real reduction in internal migration,” said Hungerländer.

The Vienna People’s Party therefore expects an open discussion on the implementation of its action plan in order to address the current challenges. This includes reducing internal migration and effective integration through education and housing. “It is time for all those responsible in Vienna and beyond to work together to find solutions that will relieve pressure on Vienna and improve integration,” concluded Mahrer and Hungerländer.