Democracy in danger: Warning of clear-cutting through coalition negotiations!

Democracy in danger: Warning of clear-cutting through coalition negotiations!

Vienna, February 11, 2025 - The Catholic Action Austria (KAÖ) has urgently warned against a “democratic policy cut” after information about the coalition negotiations between the ÖVP and FPÖ became public. According to a press release from the KAÖ, many of the planned measures in the negotiations would be diametrically opposed to the principles of a democratic and solidarity-based society. In particular, initiatives for active climate protection and social fairness are missing, which represents a direct attack on democratic values. These considerations raise serious concerns about the integrity of professional journalism and the role of civil society organizations, say KAÖ representatives Katharina Renner, Ferdinand Kaineder and Thomas Immervoll.

In addition, a current study by Constructor University shows that social cohesion in Germany has suffered significantly as a result of various crises, including the corona pandemic. Prof. Dr. Klaus Boehnke, who oversaw the study, reported a significant decline in cohesion, which fell by 9 points in an index. This development makes it clear that despite a solid overall rating of 52 points on the scale from 0 to 100, society perceives polarization and alienation. Particularly noticeable is the group of “alienated people”, who feel left behind by society and in this context show increasing support for extremist views, such as the election of the AfD. Surveys for this study were conducted in October 2023 and show that economically stable regions tend to be more cohesive, pointing to the role of economic inequality.

Challenges for society

The KAÖ has also made a clear appeal to political decision-makers to recognize the need for active social and climate policy in order to ensure social cohesion for future generations. In this context, KAÖ representatives emphasize that challenges such as social inequality and the climate crisis can only be overcome through international cooperation. The current political efforts to restrict civil society participation and cut social services endanger not only democratic principles, but also social peace. As the study by Constructor University also makes clear, stable social cohesion is crucial for overcoming crises and transformation processes. In this respect, it is crucial for Austrian and German society to counter current tendencies of division with united forces in order to promote a sense of unity and solidarity. These challenges require a rethink in dealing with social, economic and cultural differences in both Austria and Germany.

The KAÖ's warnings and the findings from the study make it clear that it is time to develop a common perspective for the future that is based on solidarity and social participation.

KATHPRESS reported and Constructor University pointed to social cohesion.