Wiederkehr Believes in a Constitutionally Compliant Headscarf Ban

In the government program, ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS agreed on a constitutionally compliant headscarf ban, according to Wiederkehr. As Education Minister, he sees it as his duty to present this to Parliament. He emphasized the tension between religious freedom and children's rights. The Constitutional Court had previously demanded accompanying measures, which have now been implemented, such as child protection concepts in schools. The framework conditions have thus changed. Wiederkehr rejects the ÖVP's proposal to anchor the ban with a two-thirds majority, as the SPÖ has already rejected this and all three parties must agree, as agreed in the coalition negotiations.

Wiederkehr for a Unified Education System at the Federal Level

According to Wiederkehr, "a unified education system is needed, from elementary education to the Matura. Anything else would be a step backward." Of course, the competence for this should lie with the federal government. After all, there are already "extreme impositions in Austrian educational federalism." He sees it as his responsibility as Education Minister to develop a good proposal in the coming months "in the reform partnership" to make the education system more efficient and better.

The so-called "reform partnership" would not have existed without the NEOS. "We made it clear in the negotiations that major reforms are needed in Austria. Not as an end in itself, but so that we can move forward." The budgetary crisis has now led to finally tackling structural reforms. "But governing is not a sprint; you need a certain endurance," said Wiederkehr. As an example, he mentioned the planned federalism reform ("a huge step") in the areas of health, education, energy, but also bureaucracy and economy.

"Good Feedback" on Mobile Phone Ban

So far, "very good feedback" has been received on the mobile phone ban in schools, "not only from teachers but also from parents and students." One positive effect is seen in the increased ability to concentrate. Long-term studies from other countries show that performance improves overall. Sanctioning options at the European level are needed for the social media ban until age 14. This is not adhered to by platform providers, according to the Education Minister: "We need to sanction them." New regulations only make sense at the European level. It should not be the case that children are exposed to inappropriate content and become addicted. The digital space should not be a lawless space. Wiederkehr sees an intensive discussion on this at the European level, in which the NEOS are involved.

Actually, "duties and prohibitions" do not align with his vision of school, which should rather be a "place of development." However, this is only possible if basic rules are followed, Wiederkehr defended penalties for uncooperative parents. "Parents have a responsibility for the development of their children." If they do not take care, they "must also bear the consequences." A cut in family benefits is one of the possibilities, but there is a "good tradition" in this country of punishing administrative offenses with fines. Currently, there are approximately 2,000 suspensions per year, including a few dozen cases where parents no longer cooperate at all.

Wiederkehr Sees Successes Like Mandatory Summer School

Wiederkehr views the introduction of the mandatory summer school for students with problems in the language of instruction, German, as a success. There is a "dramatically high number of children that we need to support specifically." This has not worked in recent years, but now there are more resources for it. The ministry only provides a guideline, but from the coming school year, each school must autonomously develop a concept on how German lessons are well established at their location. This is intended to be accompanied scientifically. In addition to the introduction of a second mandatory kindergarten year, Wiederkehr can also imagine that for children who need more support, the kindergarten obligation could be increased from 20 to 30 hours.

Dissatisfaction Among Opposition After Wiederkehr Appearance

The Freedom Party sees "pure whitewashing and irresponsible PR politics" in Wiederkehr. While Wiederkehr talks about his integration projects, the latest figures from the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) demonstrate the final collapse of the education system, argued the Freedom Party's education spokesperson Hermann Brückl: "If now every fourth student has a non-German colloquial language and the number of extraordinary students is exploding due to lack of German skills, then we are no longer talking about a challenge, but about a full-blown educational emergency." German is becoming a foreign language in classrooms, "because the system parties place their multicultural dreams above the well-being of Austrian children."

The Green Party's education spokesperson Sigi Maurer also expressed dissatisfaction after Wiederkehr's appearance. A noticeable relief for teachers and help for students is "still not in sight." Increasing overtime, teaching outside one's subject area, and constant time pressure have long been the norm in the classroom. Administrative relief is being cut instead of expanded. This results in teaching staff being "burned out in constant stress."

In contrast, the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) expressed satisfaction with the initiatives of the Minister of Education. Strengthening basic competencies and talent promotion are the keys to the skilled workers of tomorrow. "It is crucial that reforms are now consistently implemented further - for equal educational opportunities, qualified skilled workers, and thus for Austria's competitiveness," emphasized IV Secretary General Christoph Neumayer.

(APA/Red)

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