Budget explosion in the event of imprisonment and a saving compulsion: Sunitsch raises the alarm!

Budget explosion in the event of imprisonment and a saving compulsion: Sunitsch raises the alarm!

Zürich, Schweiz - In the current budget debate to the UG 13-Justice Nicole Sunitsch , Member of the National Council and the lawyer, towards an alarming cost explosion in the event of detention. With a budget draft for 2026, which provides for 2.4 billion euros for the judicial department, of which 750 million euros are planned for priority, it is discussing the injustice of austerity measures among the judicial officers.

As part of her remarks, she emphasizes that the daily rate per inmate is 234 euros. She sees the fact that more than half of the detained in Austria are foreigners whose care is financed by taxpayers. This situation is exacerbated by the tense personnel situation within the judiciary, where 95 percent of the positions are officially occupied, but colleagues are missing on duty every day.

return advice for foreign criminals

In the canton of Zurich, an important pilot project was implemented permanently from 2026: the "return advice in the prison" reports . The aim of this project is to support foreign criminals in their return to the country of origin after served punishment. The project that started in 2023 is intended to help those willing to return to organizational things such as the procurement of papers and medication as well as to ensure a base of existence in the country of origin.

By the end of 2024, 309 criminals have already registered for return advice, and 545 consultations were held. The scientific review of the first 18 months showed a positive balance because around half of the advisory people received organizational help. 22 people willing to return could be released from custody, which brought estimated savings of CHF 370,000.

international cooperation and relief for prison

In addition, department V 1 of the Federal Ministry of Justice information that illuminate the possibilities of deliveries and legal assistance in traffic with third-party states. This department acts as a central interface between Austrian and foreign judicial authorities and enables the delivery to prevent the ability to withdraw criminal law through a stay in a different state.

The goal of taking over the execution of the prison by the home state is the reintegration of the person to society in order to prevent further criminal acts. These internationally coordinated measures could also be relieved of the Austrian prison system. Nicole Sunitsch therefore calls for a personnel offensive and a budget adjustment to relieve the overloaded legal guardians and increase security.