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Caritas boss warns: austerity plans endanger the weakest in society!
Caritas director Elisabeth Rathgeb criticizes austerity demands from economic politicians and calls for social protection for those in need.
Caritas boss warns: austerity plans endanger the weakest in society!
In a heated debate, Caritas director Elisabeth Rathgeb reacted to the controversial comments of State Economics Councilor Mario Gerber. Gerber, who is in the Tyrolean daily newspaper demanded that social support needs to be “cleaned up”, is confronted with decisive criticism from the ranks of social institutions. Rathgeb's urgent and penetrating questions about the well-being of the most vulnerable in society quickly made the rounds: Can the government and society afford to consider peculiarities such as cutting the compensatory allowance for minimum pensioners or eliminating the minimum income for single parents?
“Who is specifically affected?” asked Rathgeb, who urgently appealed to politicians’ responsibility to preserve the social safety net. Their warning: The savings should not be made at the expense of the poorest of their fellow citizens. The Caritas director emphasized that social support not only secures the existence of many people, but also acts as an economic engine. Every euro in this area flows directly back into the local economy, for example for rents and living costs, thereby promoting stability in times of crisis.
New connecting perspectives
Elisabeth Rathgeb has not only taken on a significant role in the current discussion about social benefits, but will also soon be working in a new role for Caritas. How Caritas Tyrol reported, she will act as deputy director of Caritas for the Diocese of Innsbruck from September 1, 2020. This position brings with it additional responsibility, especially in working with the Caritas facilities in the challenging time after the Corona pandemic.
Rathgeb, who has already made a name for herself through her previous leadership positions in the education and pastoral sectors, will now also deal with the diverse challenges in the social sector. Her new role could prove crucial, particularly given the upcoming government negotiations and questions about social cuts affecting the most vulnerable members of our society.