FPÖ Proposes Legislative Measures to Combat Youth Crime and Abuse of Asylum System

In a recent session of the Justice Committee in Vienna, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) presented a series of legislative proposals aimed at addressing youth crime and the misuse of the asylum system. These measures come in response to rising concerns about illegal immigration and criminal activities associated with it.

The FPÖ emphasized the need for stricter legal consequences for individuals who enter Austria illegally under the guise of seeking asylum. The party argues that many of these individuals traverse multiple safe countries before reaching Austria, suggesting a need for accountability. The proposed legislation includes heightened penalties for human traffickers and stricter punishments for asylum seekers who engage in criminal behavior.

One of the key proposals involves lowering the age of criminal responsibility to twelve years. The FPÖ argues that many young offenders escape legal repercussions due to their age, despite committing serious crimes. They contend that this change is necessary to reflect the growing incidents of violence among younger individuals and to restore public safety.

According to FPÖ representatives, over 250,000 illegal immigrants have entered Austria since 2020, with more than 435,000 arriving since 2015. This influx has raised alarms regarding national security and the integrity of the Austrian legal framework. The party is advocating for the illegal crossing of borders to be classified as a criminal offense within the national penal code to better address the issue.

The FPÖ's proposals also suggest that those who are trafficked into the country should face the same legal consequences as their traffickers. This approach aims to eliminate the perceived benefits that come with illegal entry and to deter future violations of immigration laws.

Furthermore, the party is calling for the inclusion of specific aggravating circumstances in criminal law related to asylum seekers. They argue that previous regulations have proven insufficient in addressing the misuse of asylum rights. The FPÖ insists that the legislative measures are essential for protecting the rights of the Austrian population and ensuring that the legal system can effectively respond to emerging challenges.

As the Justice Committee considers these proposals, the FPÖ has warned that any opposition from other political parties to these measures would contribute to ongoing issues surrounding crime and immigration in Austria. The party believes that it is the state's responsibility to safeguard its citizens and ensure that the legal framework adequately addresses current realities.