ÖVP under fire: FPÖ demands radical change in migration policy

ÖVP under fire: FPÖ demands radical change in migration policy

Österreich, Land - The General Secretary of the FPÖ, Michael Schledlitz, comments critically about the statements of ÖVP general secretary Nico Marchetti on migration policy in Austria. According to Schledlitz, the balance of Austrian migration policy is "shocking" and is characterized by a broken asylum system, exploding social costs and serious integration problems. He notes that the suspension of family reunification is only to be regarded as a "pure placebo" and warns that this is not a permanent stop, but is only a temporary measure. The short-term suspension does not change the catastrophic asylum and immigration policy of the ÖVP.

Schledlitz accuses the ÖVP of staging itself as a "protective power" with minimal measures, while it is responsible for the current misery. It calls for a fundamental change of system in migration policy, the returns, a zero immigration concept and increased border security. In this context, he emphasizes that the FPÖ stands for real local politics, which sets clear rules and focuses on its own population. In addition, he warns that the ÖVP is unable to steal responsibility with praise and self -adherence after ignoring the problems for decades.

migration in Europe

Migration policy is also a hotly debated topic in the rest of Europe. In Germany, for example, the Union and the SPD stipulated in the coalition agreement that the fundamental right to asylum remains untouched, while they still work on an asylum turn. Union chief Friedrich Merz promised a "factual ban on entry" in the election campaign, but this encounters resistance in neighboring countries such as Poland and Austria. These reject Merz ’plans, which makes the implementation of the rejection of asylum seekers questionable.

The new measures in Germany include an expansion of the list of safe third countries and an increase in returns, especially for endangers and criminals that are subject to departure. The capacity for deportation can also be increased. However, critical voices remain sound, including experts, churches and NGOs who complain about the social effects of these tightening

Austria's attitude towards asylum policy

Austria has already announced that no asylum seekers at the border could violate what could violate EU law. The Ministry of the Interior has made it clear that people cannot be prevented from entering them without being legally secured. In addition, there are restrictive measures in the asylum and migration area in the new Austrian coalition government on the agenda, including a temporary stop of the family reunification for persons entitled to protection.

These developments take place in a larger context, since the EU also planned to tighten the right of asylum. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is to submit new proposals on asylum law enforcement on Tuesday, including entry bans for people who have previously been deported from the EU. However, such measures also provoke resistance and concerns about the international law obligations and fundamental rights of those affected.

The discourse on migration is therefore continued not only in Austria, but throughout Europe, with different political actors suggest different approaches and solutions for the challenges of this complex topic.