Majority of Austrians Say: "Integration Does Not Work"
The sentiment of Austrians regarding integration remains critically unchanged. According to the new integration barometer, presented by study director Peter Hajek and Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP), 72 percent of respondents believe that integration is functioning poorly or even very poorly. 68 percent are skeptical that Austria can manage immigration.
Integration: Austrians Remain Critical According to Survey
Hajek, who created the study on behalf of the Integration Fund, emphasized that the assessment of Austrians has been "incredibly stable" over the past years. Although there is a group of about 15 percent who firmly reject immigration, the rest have no problem if certain conditions are met.
Political Islam Causes Concern
According to the integration barometer, what particularly concerns Austrians is political Islam. Lack of German language skills, the view of women by immigrants, and "exploitation of the social system" are also viewed critically.
Strongly supported by 86 percent is the reduction of social benefits if integration measures are not followed. Eight out of ten respondents are in favor of granting social benefits only once the integration process is completed. The headscarf ban currently being implemented is supported by 73 percent, and 68 percent view the restrictions on family reunification positively.
Plakolm Against Relaxation in the Labor Market
A clear majority is also in favor of asylum seekers entering the workforce earlier. However, Plakolm ruled out any relaxations here. The legal situation is "more than sufficient." Once the positive decision is made, access to the labor market is granted - for Ukrainian displaced persons even from the first day. In any case, 48,000 individuals entitled to asylum are not working, and this is exactly where action needs to be taken.
Plakolm noted that the mood regarding integration is "not good." In her view, this is also because many have the impression that some are getting too comfortable in the generous social system. Here, one will have to be "more explicit." The minister referred to the planned integration year as well as planned cuts in social benefits if requirements are not met.
Inflation is the greatest concern of Austrians
In fact, immigration in a broader sense is among the top concern topics for Austrians. According to the Integration Barometer, inflation is at the top, ahead of concerns about the health and care system. Political Islam, however, already ranks fourth, directly followed by immigration and integration.
There is a clear differentiation in how well coexistence with individual population groups functions. For Ukrainians, the balance of good and poor functioning is plus 24. In contrast, coexistence with Muslims results in a value of minus 41. There are also differences in the assessment of where coexistence works more or less well. It is perceived most positively (plus 27) in the workplace, significantly worse in schools and public spaces (minus 30 and minus 43, respectively).
Criticism from the FPÖ
For the FPÖ, Plakolm's deductions from the Integration Barometer are "a self-indictment." The results of the barometer are "a shocking testimony of the total failure of the system parties," said Secretary General Michael Schnedlitz in a statement. The "mass immigration" is destroying security, coexistence, and social peace.
(APA/Red)
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