Civil Service Extension Voluntary; Minister Plakolm Sees No Support for Mandatory Women's Service

As Austria's civil service program marks its 50th anniversary, Minister Claudia Plakolm reflects on the significant changes in societal perceptions surrounding civil service. The program began in April 1975, and since then, the narrative has shifted from viewing civil servants as outcasts to recognizing them as vital contributors to the social welfare system.

Currently, 11,798 young men are fulfilling their civil service duties, achieving a coverage rate of 90.6% across various institutions, which is consistent with the previous year's statistics. While a full 100% coverage is the goal, logistical challenges such as sudden illnesses and training commitments make this difficult to attain. Notably, Styria is currently leading with a 95.6% coverage rate, while Vienna follows closely at 95.1%. In contrast, Carinthia lags with a significantly lower rate of 63.8%.

In the first quarter of the year, there were 4,486 applications for civil service positions, with popular areas of service including emergency response, social and disability support, and elderly care. The minister acknowledged the impact of demographic changes on recruitment, stating that the government cannot simply increase the number of young men available for service.

When asked whether an extension of military service would lead to a corresponding increase in civil service duration, Plakolm noted that the relevant commission has yet to report its findings. However, the current government program does allow for the possibility of voluntary extensions of civil service, a measure requested by both institutions and the civil servants themselves, particularly to accommodate those starting university at different times.

Plakolm also addressed the discussion surrounding mandatory military service for women, indicating that she does not foresee the necessary constitutional majority for such a proposal in the parliament at this time. Nevertheless, the option for a voluntary social year is gaining traction, particularly among young women.

In response to calls for placing youth offenders in social pedagogical facilities, Plakolm expressed support for this idea, emphasizing the need for legal mechanisms to prevent exploitation by youth gangs, particularly in cases where minors are deliberately sent to carry out illegal activities.