Plakolm calls for headscarf ban for young people and warns against further family reunification

European Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) has expressed support for maintaining the veto possibilities of individual states at the council level in the EU where they still exist. These are primarily: the Common Foreign and Security Policy, EU finances, and the admission of new EU members. "In these central questions," the European Union should not deviate from the unanimity principle, Plakolm said on Sunday in the ORF television "Press Hour".

EU Enlargement: Plakolm for "Gradual Integration"

Regarding the EU enlargement to include the six Western Balkan states (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), which has been dragging on for more than 20 years, the minister sees "thankfully a dynamic". Plakolm advocated for "gradual integration".

Plakolm did not provide a concrete answer to the question of why approval for the EU among the Austrian population is comparatively very weak, despite proven, significant benefits of membership and despite decades of participation by the pronounced pro-European party ÖVP in the federal government. There are simply "still bridges to be built," said the 30-year-old.

Dialogue with "Problem Candidates"

When asked about "problem candidates" both among EU members and accession countries, Plakolm wants to "seek dialogue". She cited Hungary as an example, which has been confronted with EU infringement procedures for almost 15 years under the right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban due to violations of media freedom and the rule of law. After all, Hungary is a direct neighbor with whom one must also cooperate on a bilateral level. Russia-friendly Hungary has repeatedly delayed, weakened, and threatened to veto sanctions against Moscow due to the Ukraine war in the past. Soon, the sanctions will need to be extended. Here too, Hungary would need to be brought back on board due to the unanimity principle in EU foreign policy.

According to the European Minister, the EU should "focus on central things". For example, Europe's global competitiveness has "fallen by the wayside". Especially in the implementation of EU rules, "each country should have more leeway," demanded the ÖVP politician. As a negative example, she cited, from her perspective, unnecessary reporting obligations for small businesses in the EU's renaturation regulation. The EU Commission's proposals need to be more scrutinized for their practicality.

The EU rearmament project ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 is seen by Plakolm as an "industry program" on one hand. On the other hand, it is a "tool" to address the fact that Europe can no longer rely on the USA for defense as it used to. Additionally, it is an opportunity for the Austrian Armed Forces to benefit from joint procurement in the EU.

Constitutionally Designed Headscarf Ban for Young People

Plakolm, who is also responsible for integration and family agendas in the government, is convinced that the headscarf ban for young people under 14 years, as provided for in the coalition's government program, can be constitutionally designed. In this regard, they are in "intensive exchange" with experts. "This topic is very important to me as Youth Minister because eight-year-old girls should not be hidden under a headscarf." For her, there are two possibilities, namely to pass the law at the constitutional level or with a simple majority, said Plakolm. In the former case, the FPÖ would have to "show their colors," in the latter, a step model targeting individual cases would be needed.

Further Family Reunification Reduces Chances of Integration

Regarding the temporary halt on family reunification, Plakolm was confident that the regulation would hold, as it serves to maintain public safety and order. This also concerns the areas of education and health, as well as the labor and housing markets. The system is "increasingly overloaded." With further family reunification, the chances of integration would decrease. Additionally, the influx brings "more unemployment and parallel societies" into the country. Austria is not responsible for the families being separated, as the fathers made their way to Austria alone through several safe countries, she argued.

Islam Mostly Causes Problems in the Coexistence of Religions

As Minister of Culture, she advocated for a "confident Christianity" in Austria before Easter, "because we must confidently stand by what has defined our culture and cohesion for decades." Freedom of religion is a "precious asset," but tolerance should not be misunderstood, said Plakolm. As Minister of Culture, it is important to her "that we maintain good relations." Nevertheless, there are challenges in coexistence, and it is a fact that these problems mostly accompany Islam.

Result of the Vienna Election for ÖVP "Anything but Pleasing"

The Vienna municipal council election held a week ago was "anything but pleasing" for the People's Party. However, there has been a reorganization of the city party. With City District Chairman Markus Figl and Döbling District Chairman Daniel Resch, two experienced district chairmen are now leading the party. With the topic of security, they did not back the wrong horse, Plakolm believes. She herself feels definitely less safe in the federal capital than in the Mühlviertel. The increasing crime in some Vienna districts concerns the population, she was convinced.

Massive Criticism from the FPÖ on Statements by the Minister for Europe

Massive criticism of the Minister for Europe and the ÖVP came from the Freedom Party. "Creating problems, shifting responsibility, throwing smoke grenades - that's the political triple jump of the ÖVP," said the blue General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz in a statement. The alleged halt to family reunification is nothing more "than a delay with a built-in bypass guide." Since 2020, the ÖVP has allowed over 250,000 culturally foreign illegals into the country, which has led to overloaded systems, imported crime, parallel societies, and an education system on the brink. Additionally, the ÖVP has "refused for years to pass a ban law against political Islam with us Freedom Party members," criticized Schnedlitz. Instead, they continue to "pour tax money over asylum seekers."

Plakolm "Visionless and Narrow-minded" for the Greens

The Greens also had no kind words for Plakolm's appearance. "It is shameful and sad to see how, in the very year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our EU accession, the Austrian Minister for Europe presents herself so visionless and narrow-minded," said Green General Secretary Olga Voglauer. The ÖVP apparently understands European policy as mere location policy for their own nation-state.

(APA/Red)

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