Demand for Ramadan Holiday for Muslims Causes Stir

The demand by the small party "Social Austria of the Future" (SÖZ) for a national holiday for the Islamic Ramadan festival is met with strong opposition from the Vienna People's Party. State party chairman Karl Mahrer describes the initiative as "not a measure of integration, but a targeted provocation." For him, it is clear: Austrian holidays are anchored in a Christian-Western value system – and that will not change, as stated in a press release.

Vienna ÖVP clearly rejects Ramadan holiday

The SÖZ party, which advocates particularly for Muslim concerns, recently brought up the idea of a national holiday for the Ramadan festival. The Vienna People's Party responds with an unequivocal rejection. "Our holidays stand for our cultural identity. A Ramadan holiday would call this foundation into question," says Mahrer.

In his statement, Mahrer also addressed the Vienna FPÖ, which has also positioned itself critically towards Islam in the Vienna election campaign. However, the Vienna city council accuses the FPÖ of inconsistency: "Those who present themselves as critics of Islam on one hand, but cozy up to organizations like ATIB on the other, make themselves untrustworthy."

Mahrer: No religious special regulations for Muslims

For the Vienna People's Party, it is clear: Integration can only succeed if immigrants adapt to the values and customs applicable in Austria. According to Mahrer, a national holiday for a single religious community would achieve exactly the opposite and further entrench parallel societies.

"Those who want to live in Austria should adapt. We respect all religions and wish the Islamic community a heartfelt Eid Mubarak – but for good coexistence, respect and recognition of the host country's values are needed," Mahrer concludes.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.