FPÖ Criticizes Government's Family Reunification Bill as Distraction from Core Issues

In a recent session of the National Council, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) demanded an immediate and permanent halt to family reunifications, arguing that the government's proposed measures are merely a diversion from more pressing concerns regarding immigration.

FPÖ security spokesperson Gernot Darmann expressed strong disapproval of the government's approach, stating that the administration has misled the public regarding family reunification policy. Initially discussing a complete stop, the narrative shifted to a temporary suspension, and now it has evolved into a mere hindrance, accompanied by guidelines on how to circumvent these restrictions. Darmann characterized this tactic as disingenuous, suggesting that it aims to placate public concerns while ignoring the overarching issue of mass immigration.

He emphasized that references to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights allow individuals to bypass these hindrances easily. Furthermore, he pointed out that those who have begun learning German or demonstrate potential for easier integration can still enter Austria. Darmann highlighted that the government's program aims to finance language and orientation courses in migrants' home countries to facilitate family reunification, signaling a lack of commitment to halting asylum processes.

Looking back at previous coalition talks between the FPÖ and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), Darmann noted that achieving a total asylum stop was infeasible with the ÖVP. Although there was slight movement regarding family reunification, it was always tied to quotas. He criticized the current coalition, which includes the left-leaning Neos and the Socialist Party, claiming they are unlikely to collaborate on solutions that would resonate with the Austrian public's desire for responsible governance.

Darmann reiterated the necessity to press the 'stop' button on asylum rights in Austria, advocating for border rejections and the expulsion of individuals who do not belong in the country. He pointed out that the coalition's approach to the EU Asylum and Migration Pact fails to address the realities of illegal immigration, which has seen approximately 250,000 undocumented migrants enter the country in recent years.

He concluded by urging all political parties to support the FPÖ's proposal for an immediate and permanent cessation of family reunifications, emphasizing that the current government's lack of courage to address core immigration issues is detrimental to Austria.