Outrage about ÖVP representative: Children in gastronomy referred to as a fault!

Outrage about ÖVP representative: Children in gastronomy referred to as a fault!

The political debates about family policy in Austria are currently dominated by a controversial statement by the Chamber of Commerce and ÖVP politician Mario Pulker. In an interview, Pulker made it clear that he prefers "a guest with a dog as a guest with a child". This statement immediately aroused the minds and led to massive criticism, especially from the ranks of the opposition. The FPÖ family spokeswoman Ricarda Berger described Pulk's statements as a "unreasonable imposition for all families" and calls for a public apology from the politician. She accused the reigning black and red government to delete family services and generally consider the family to be low.

Berger is not the only one who considers Pulkers statement as revealing for the family policy orientation of the ÖVP. The FPÖ federal party spokeswoman Lisa Schuch-Gubik also criticized the statement sharply and rated it as an expression of contempt for families. In an official statement, she called for a clear commitment from the ÖVP to testify and described the statement as shocking and characteristic of the party's current family policy. She argued that there was a blatant contradiction between the Sunday statements about family friendliness and reality, in which children would be offered as a strain.

criticism of family policy

The violent reaction of the FPÖ shows how sensitive the topic of family policy in Austria is. The focus is on the focus when you look at the recent developments in family support. Despite the criticism of the ÖVP, which Numerous has implemented measures to support families in recent years, the opposition was loud. According to a study by the European Commission, Austria is considered a leader of family services within the EU. Among other things, family services have been adapted to inflation since January 1, 2023, which means an increase of 9.7 percent for 2024.

In addition, important programs such as the family time bonus have more than doubled and now provides up to 1,600 euros. The family bonus plus was also increased to 2,000 euros, and many initiatives to strengthen fathers' participation were introduced. In order to improve access to childcare, the federal government has been investing continuously since 2008 and has created around 95,700 new places so far. Despite this progress, the opposition looks loud, especially in view of the recent statements, which gives the impression that family -political success is not taken seriously.

Family friendliness in focus

In the current political landscape, the question of family friendliness remains central given Pulk's remark. The FPÖ sees itself as an advocate for the concerns of families and criticizes the ÖVP, while emphasizing that the current measures are well thought out and necessary to support families sustainably. How these political tensions will develop remains to be seen, especially with the upcoming elections. The appeal to political responsibility is clear: a respectful way of dealing with families and children should be in the top priority.