Government Announces Stricter Gun Control Measures Following Graz Shooting
In a somber session on Monday, the National Council of Austria remembered the victims of the recent shooting at a school in Graz. This tragic event has prompted the government to introduce a comprehensive package aimed at enhancing safety in educational institutions. National Council President Walter Rosenkranz expressed the shared grief of the nation, emphasizing the responsibility of politicians to implement effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Chancellor Christian Stocker addressed the assembly with a heavy heart, describing the shooting as a national tragedy of unprecedented scale that has shaken the foundation of safety that schools represent. He urged unity and support for those affected during this difficult time.
The government is set to unveil an initial set of measures during the upcoming Council of Ministers meeting, which will include several key initiatives designed to bolster school security and provide assistance to affected families. Among the proposed measures are:
- A compensation fund for families impacted by the tragedy, covering funeral costs and providing psychological support.
- Increased police presence around schools, which will be maintained until the end of the current academic year.
- Enhanced psychological counseling services within schools, aiming to make such support a standard offering rather than an exception.
- Mandatory consultations for students who drop out of school.
- Each educational institution will be required to implement a practical security plan that is regularly updated.
- Stricter regulations for gun ownership, including more stringent eligibility requirements and limitations for certain high-risk groups, alongside improved data sharing among relevant authorities.
- New regulations governing the use of social media by minors, although specific details have yet to be disclosed.
The Vice Chancellor expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging the painful reality that previous measures may not have been sufficient to protect children. He highlighted the need for a thorough examination of existing policies regarding gun accessibility, arguing that obtaining firearms should not be possible without rigorous scrutiny.
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized the nation's collective sorrow, stating that a comprehensive strategy against bullying in schools is being pursued, underlining the importance of mental health in ensuring safety.
In contrast, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl urged caution, suggesting that now may not be the appropriate time to rush into solutions, advocating for careful consideration of the complexities involved in balancing rights to safety and individual freedoms.
Green Party leader Werner Kogler argued for a proactive approach, stressing the need for legislative measures that will significantly reduce the likelihood of such violent incidents. He criticized Austria's lenient gun laws and called for a fundamental shift towards prioritizing a society free from firearms, with exceptions only for hunters, sports shooters, and individuals facing direct threats.
This tragic event has ignited a national conversation about safety, mental health, and gun legislation, with various political leaders proposing differing approaches to tackling the underlying issues. As the government prepares to implement these new measures, the focus remains on preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of all students in Austria.