Styria tightens begging rules: penalties up to 5,000 euros!

Styria tightens begging rules: penalties up to 5,000 euros!

In Styria, stricter regulations for begging will be pending in Styria. These measures are part of a new draft law that aims to maintain public order and to take the population complaints seriously about intrusive begging. So far, intrusive begging and carrying underage people have been forbidden in begging in this state, but not the organized begging itself. This should now change, since the state government under Governor Mario Kunasek (FPÖ) is planning to regulate the begging through new regulations and to introduce certain prohibition zones.

An exception in the new law is intended for assistance dogs, which means that these animals are also taken into account in the future regulations. The draft law still has to be decided by the state parliament, but will soon come into force. Cities and municipalities are given the opportunity to ban regulation in heavily frequented places such as schools and train stations. Administrative violations can cost up to 5,000 euros, which indicates the seriousness of the new provisions.

social debates about begging

The measures in Styria are part of a broader social discussion about the subject of begging and the associated social problems. An analysis of the topic shows that beggars are often perceived as "useless". The term "social carwinism" describes the discrimination against social marginalized groups and is often used to explain the devaluation of bedlers and transfer performance recipients. This devaluation happens not only through politics and the public, but also by other social groups that see themselves as part of the performance society.

begging is seen as a survival strategy for many people who have to compensate for social security networks and economic emergencies that have become out of joint. Nevertheless, the social perception of beggars remains negatively shaped, and they are often defamed as a "parasite". In Germany there are similar tendencies for re-criminalization of begging, where aggressive forms of begging are classified as an administrative offense.

local reactions and economic implications

The introduction of the new begging regulations in Styria also promoted residents and local business people who fear the quality of their quality of life. It is pointed out that organized begging not only molested the population, but also has negative effects on the regional economy and tourism. ÖVP club chairman Lukas Schnitzer pointed out that the long-term goal should be to create decent alternatives, so that nobody would have to beg and nobody is misused animals for such purposes.

The upcoming regulations and the social discourses show that the begging is not only an individual problem, but is also closely associated with questions of social justice and inequality. Dealing with beggars reflects deeper social tensions and challenges in a changing society.