Diversity in Knittelfeld: Migration as an opportunity or challenge?

Diversity in Knittelfeld: Migration as an opportunity or challenge?

Knittelfeld, Österreich - Knittelfeld, the largest city in the Murtal district, is currently experiencing a change. With a population of 12,791 people and a migration share of 27 percent, the city is a melting pot of various cultures, especially through immigration from Romania as well as Syria and Afghanistan, as orf.at . Mayor Harald Bergmann (SPÖ) emphasizes that the coexistence of communities works well as a whole, but there are challenges in schools. Around 60 percent of children in compulsory schools do not speak German as a mother tongue, which makes lessons considerably more difficult. In particular, the creation of a better integrated learning environment is the focus of the political discussion.

political reactions and challenges

The upcoming local council elections throw a light on the migration issues. Wolfgang Knauseder, top candidate of the ÖVP, sees the need for reforms in the education system and emphasizes that better handling of language diversity in the classrooms would be an advantage for everyone. The role of freedom, which demands an immediate asylum stop and more German funding in order not to endanger the lessons, is also criticized. Dominic Modre, the top candidate of the freedom, also emphasizes that kindergartens should also play an important role in integration.