VIENNA. The political debate about the level of social assistance is spreading. The dispute has its origins in a nine-member migrant family in Vienna who are dependent on social assistance and receive 4,600 euros a month, including rent assistance.
Until now, the ÖVP has criticized Vienna’s social assistance model, which, as reported, provides higher rates for children than in other federal states – in Upper Austria there is only half as much support. On Wednesday, Chancellor and ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer was outraged that the model against child poverty presented by SP leader Andreas Babler would mean even more money for large families.
SPÖ Federal Secretary Sandra Breiteneder countered that this was “comparing apples with oranges”. The SPÖ model for basic child benefit includes many benefits in kind such as free kindergarten from the age of one or free school meals. “Our model is much more comprehensive,” she said, “you can’t compare them like that.” The extrapolated figure of 6,800 euros was wrong, but she did not want to commit to a figure.
ÖVP leader Nehammer, who is on vacation, made a statement in a press release: “The SPÖ model is an attack on everyone who gets up and goes to work every day. It mocks those who finance our social safety net with their taxes.” “Such excesses in the social system will not be allowed with me as chancellor,” Nehammer is quoted as saying. Instead, a five-year waiting period is necessary before one can receive social assistance.
“This is two blind people arguing about colors,” said FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, commenting on the debate. “The financial excesses in Vienna are the result of a misguided SP-led state government in Vienna and a weak VP-led federal government.” The SPÖ and ÖVP tried to shift the blame onto the other – “more than embarrassing,” says Kickl.
Salzburg’s governor Wilfried Haslauer (ÖVP) announced in the “Ö1” midday journal that the issue of social assistance will also be discussed at the next state governors’ conference. Haslauer was skeptical about a nationwide standardization of social assistance. “You can discuss anything. It is important to take regional differences into account,” he said, pointing to higher living costs in cities such as Innsbruck and Salzburg.
