FPÖ-Schnedlitz: Karner's asylum statistics are misleading PR show!

FPÖ-Schnedlitz: Karner's asylum statistics are misleading PR show!

On August 24, 2025, FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz sharply criticized the asylum policy of ÖVP Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. In a statement, Schnedlitz described Karner's self-praise as a "propaganda show" and a "brazen eyewash." He criticized the successes in deportations listed by Karner and described them as misleading. In particular, the estimate of deportations is not considered representative, as many deportations primarily affect EU citizens and citizens of neighboring countries.

The current figures make the debate about asylum policy even more explosive. In the first half of 2025, only 13 Afghans were deported, while at the same time over 3,000 Afghans applied for asylum. Schnedlitz also warned of an impending increase in family reunification. This is said to be in connection with a ruling by the European Court of Justice that grants asylum rights to Afghan women.

The problem of repatriations

The FPÖ further criticizes the fact that there is no orderly repatriation program and that repatriations of Syrians are not visible in the statistics. The Secretary General called for a fundamental change in asylum policy and sees the need to establish a “Fortress Austria” with a “People's Chancellor” Herbert Kickl.

At the European level, the discussion about returns is also in focus. According to a draft law presented by EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, faster deportations are planned for rejected asylum seekers. Currently, only one in five people who are obliged to leave the country is leaving the EU, and the pressure on the EU Commission is growing, especially in view of past attacks by perpetrators who are obliged to leave the country.

Planned EU measures

To address the challenges of repatriation, the EU is planning measures such as the introduction of deportation centers outside the EU. These should be given a legal basis to bring rejected asylum seekers there. In addition, deportation decisions should be recognized throughout the EU in order to increase the number of returns. A more uniform imposition of detention pending deportation and longer entry bans for those affected are also under discussion.

However, the proposed measures are met with resistance. Critics, such as Green MEP Erik Marquardt, warn of possible violations of the rights of refugees. A common European asylum system, to be strengthened by Article 80 of the TFEU, remains a key objective of the EU to ensure the principle of solidarity and fair distribution of responsibility among Member States. This legal framework still needs to be approved by the Member States and the European Parliament.

In view of current developments, it is clear that there is an urgent need for action at both national and European level to implement a truly safe and fair asylum policy. However, the approaches vary considerably and are likely to remain a controversial topic in political discussion.

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