FPÖ politician Antauer: Syrian young people as a security risk?

FPÖ politician Antauer: Syrian young people as a security risk?

The increase in juvenile crime among young Syrians in Austria is currently the focus of the political debate. FPÖ Lower Austria Asylum and Security Councilor Martin Antauer commented on a report that points to this development. He sharply criticizes the federal government and describes it as an “arsonist” who falsely portrays itself as a “fire department”. According to Antauer, the government is responsible for the increase in crime as it has taken failed measures to control the situation. The FPÖ has consistently spoken out against the immigration of Syrians since 2015 and sees the increase in youth crime as confirmation of its stance

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Antauer also says that many Syrians come to Austria as economic refugees without authorization, emphasizing that these people are not actively looking for work, waste tax money and in many cases commit criminal acts. In his opinion, cultural practices that he sees as problematic for Austria also contribute to the situation. These statements are particularly explosive given the ongoing conflicts in Syria.

Conflicts and refugee flows from Syria

The situation in Syria remains tense despite international efforts. In 2024, parties to the conflict continued unlawful attacks on civilians and civilian facilities in the north of the country. Amnesty International reports numerous injuries and deaths among the civilian population as well as the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The Assad government and its allies, particularly Russia, intensified their attacks in northwestern Syria. UN commissions of inquiry have documented that at least 75 civilians, including 28 children, were killed in northwest Syria alone between November 26 and December 8, 2024.

In addition, Turkey continued to carry out airstrikes against civilians and objects, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Millions of people in Syria and neighboring regions are struggling with the consequences of the civil war that has been ongoing since 2011 and was initiated by the Arab Spring. The protests against the Syrian government led to violent resistance and a long-lasting conflict that forced many people to flee. These refugee movements have also put considerable pressure on the asylum systems in Europe.

Acute help and long-term solutions

The humanitarian situation in Syria requires urgent action. According to the aid organization Aktion Deutschland Hilft, over 1 million people in northeastern Syria are without electricity and more than 2 million do not have access to sufficient clean water. The ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure are worsening the situation as international aid organizations struggle to find funds to help those in need.

The political debate in Austria must also be viewed against this background. Martin Antauer's statements are part of a larger debate about migration, asylum and integration in Europe. Critics warn that stigmatizing certain groups could only exacerbate integration and security challenges. The question of how to deal with the consequences of the Syrian conflicts remains complex and important both for the regions affected and for the host countries in Europe.

The political discussion must now take into account both the security situation in Austria and the humanitarian needs of the refugees in order to find sustainable solutions.