FPÖ petition sucked in.at: For more power with volunteer fire brigades!

FPÖ petition sucked in.at: For more power with volunteer fire brigades!

Österreich - On June 4, 2025, the FPÖ launched the petition "Sucked up.at - less bureaucracy. More emergency power". This initiative aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for voluntary fire departments in Austria and strengthen their operational readiness. FPÖ general secretary Christian Hafenecker, himself a member of a volunteer fire brigade for over 30 years, emphasized the urgency of optimal framework for the fire brigade.

A central concern of the petition is the simplification of water withdrawal from natural waters for exercise purposes. The 1959 Water Law Act currently provides that a separate, limited approval is required for each withdrawal point. This requirement is perceived by the fire brigades as extremely bureaucratic and hindrance, with the need for a reform in the room. The Water Rights Act 1959 regulates the use and protection of waters and is essential for social and economic development in Austria, including drinking water supply and energy generation, as the [BMLUK] (https://www.bmluk.gv.at/theme/wasser-oesterreich/wasserrecht_national/wasser- Rechtsgesetz/wrg1959) explains.

demands of the FPÖ

In addition to simplifying water, the petition calls for further important measures: the reimbursement of VAT when buying additional protective equipment, the employment law protection of fire brigade members, as well as compensation for companies that release employees for operations. The promotion of driver's license extensions and the provision of modern personal protective equipment for new members are also on the agenda.

The Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association (ÖBFV) is surprised by the publication of the petition. Some aspects, such as the discussion on water withdrawal, have already been discussed internally, but was rejected for fear of additional bureaucracy. The ÖBFV is currently conducting talks with the Federal Government to advance proposals for the coupling of the water from the water.

criticism of the federal government

The FPÖ expresses sharp criticism of the federal government, which in its opinion shows not sufficient interest in volunteering and ignores the needs of the 4,400 voluntary fire brigades. Hafenecker and FPÖ honorary spokesman Harald Thau recurse that the existing legislation urgently must be reformed in order to support the volunteer firefighters in their important voluntary work. Thau particularly emphasizes the problems in the water withdrawal for exercises and demands urgent changes.

In addition, the FPÖ is committed to greater social recognition of the volunteer system and improved social security of the firefighters. Information about the petition and the possibility of supporting them can be found on the website www.angesaugt.at . As part of this initiative, the FPÖ is planning a wide range of action days to raise awareness of voluntary system.

The Water Law Act 1959 itself has an important role in protecting water resources in Austria. Environmental organizations have also been included in water law approval processes with amendments in recent years, such as the changes by the 2018 Aarhus participation Act. This regulation enables you to legally proceed against projects that could worsen the condition of water.

The discussion about the reform requirement of water withdrawal is more current than ever and could have far -reaching consequences for the voluntary fire departments and environmental protection in Austria.