Opposition to State Holiday for Ramadan

In Vienna, the Wiener Volkspartei has firmly rejected a proposal from the SÖZ party advocating for a state holiday to commemorate the Islamic festival of Ramadan. The party's leader, Karl Mahrer, criticized the call as an unnecessary provocation rather than a step towards integration.

Mahrer emphasized that the current holidays in Austria are rooted in a Christian and Western cultural framework, and he firmly stated that this will not change. He articulated that integration requires adaptation to the prevailing values and customs of the host country, and introducing a holiday for a specific religious group could exacerbate the formation of parallel societies.

According to Mahrer, the approach taken by the SÖZ party does not promote social cohesion but rather creates divisions. He noted that while the Wiener Volkspartei stands against the emergence of parallel communities, other parties, like the FPÖ, risk losing credibility by engaging with organizations associated with political Islam while simultaneously presenting themselves as critics of Islam.

Mahrer remarked that successful integration hinges on the willingness of residents in Austria to adapt to its cultural norms and values. He acknowledged the importance of respecting all religions but underscored that individuals wishing to reside in Austria should embrace the country's established customs. In a gesture of goodwill, he extended greetings to the Islamic community with a message of Eid Mubarak, reinforcing that mutual respect and acknowledgment of the host country's values are essential for harmonious coexistence.