Hungerländer Advocates for Clear Integration Rules with Consequences

Vienna - Recent findings from the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) indicate that a significant majority of the Austrian population supports the implementation of mandatory measures and penalties for those who refuse to integrate. According to the study, 90% of respondents favor clear guidelines in integration policies, underscoring a pressing demand for political action, particularly from the city of Vienna.

Caroline Hungerländer, the integration spokesperson for the Vienna People's Party, emphasized the necessity for a definitive integration law rather than the non-binding 'Integration Code' currently presented in the coalition government's agenda. She criticized the lack of clarity regarding consequences for breaching fundamental principles such as language proficiency and equality, stating that the absence of a legal framework for penalties is a significant oversight.

Hungerländer highlighted that the dynamics of migration to Vienna have changed drastically since 2015, suggesting that the city administration has failed to address the evolving integration landscape effectively. She pointed out that the situation on the ground has not been adequately acknowledged by those in power.

Additionally, Hungerländer raised concerns about the lack of transparency in developing the proposed integration guidelines. Referring to previous initiatives, she noted that stakeholder engagement has often been limited to representatives from city-funded organizations, potentially sidelining genuine community involvement. She called for a more inclusive participatory process that reflects a diverse range of perspectives, beyond the traditional political circles.

Criticism was also directed at the upcoming integration report, with Hungerländer asserting that vital data regarding language proficiency, attitudes towards integration, and the emergence of parallel societies in specific neighborhoods remains absent. She argued that a sincere commitment to integration requires confronting these realities head-on.

In conclusion, Hungerländer stressed the importance of enforcing integration rules, urging the city to move beyond superficial concepts and take substantive action to facilitate proper integration practices.