Heat in the state parliament: debate about care and female roles escalated!

Heat in the state parliament: debate about care and female roles escalated!

Tirol, Österreich - In Tyrol, the discussion about the controversial "Herd bonus" ensures excited debates between the parties. The free FPÖ, which demands financial support for parents who want to look after their children at home longer, encounters massive resistance from the ÖVP. State chief Anton Mattle and Councilor of Education Cornelia Hagele expressed skepticism at a press conference and emphasized that they see no need for such a premium. "I'm not a fan of a herd premium," said Mattle, who instead referred to existing support such as the family bonus. State Councilor Hagele also questions whether a financial incentive makes sense and warns that this could affect the quality of early childhood education, as made clear in her statements when she questioned childcare in her own four walls. "Who controls, how the child is brought up?" She asked provocatively, what the FPÖ vehemently criticized.

heat of the debate and reaction of the opposition

In the heated debate about the topic, voices from other parties also interfered. SPÖ social councilor Eva Pawlata accused the male MPs not to bring themselves equivalent in this discussion and to only pursue a regulars' policy. The women's and gentlemen of the FPÖ are frustrated about the "flippant statements" of hailes and speak of a "verbal deep blow" for the committed parents. The FPÖ regional party, Patrick Haslwanter, countered that the ÖVP intended to convert the early childhood upbringing into the sole area of public care facilities, which the FPÖ does not fit. There is concern within the ÖVP that the introduction of the herd premium could cement traditional role patterns, which is also critically observed by Greens MEPs such as Zeliha Arslan.