Repayment Requests to Ukrainians in the Amstetten District: Debate Escalates

The question arises whether it is a case of abuse of office by FPÖ regional councilor Martin Antauer, said the Green state parliament member Dominic Hörlezeder on Tuesday at a press conference. The Freedom Party member emphasized that the repayments for basic services are "a duty in the interest of taxpayers". A legal review is underway.

According to Hörlezeder, around 500 people in the Amstetten district are affected. In letters from the district administration, the repayment of subsidies paid out since 2022 is demanded. This is justified by the state government's guidelines, according to which all additional income to basic services such as climate bonus, school start assistance, anti-inflation payments, or heating cost subsidies must be reclaimed. In some cases, it involves several thousand euros, it was said at the press conference in St. Pölten.

Hörlezeder demanded clarification on how the repayment demands could have arisen. According to the Greens, the climate bonus, anti-inflation measures, and school start assistance must not be counted towards social assistance or basic services according to the legal basis. "Obviously, there is an attempt to put pressure on and intimidate people," said the Green National Council member and social spokesperson Markus Koza. Heating cost subsidies were apparently mistakenly paid out to basic service recipients after applications, it was further stated. Hörlezeder saw an "act of political irresponsibility" and an "arbitrary approach" by councilor Antauer. Criticism was also directed at the "passive stance" of the ÖVP.

No measures implemented until review completion

"The Lower Austria Basic Services Act is clear: All income must be credited to basic service benefits. Anyone who does not report this must expect repayment demands," Antauer stated upon request. The authorities are obliged to enforce the law: "Repayment demands are applicable law - not a political decision and not a matter of instruction." The councilor emphasized the responsibility towards taxpayers: "Not a single euro may be paid out beyond the legally stipulated amount. Anything else would be unfair and a slap in the face to the people who finance this system."

"Of course, it must be ensured that repayment demands do not put anyone in existential danger. European legal foundations also play a role here," Antauer shared. Currently, a review of all legal aspects is underway. Until this is completed, no measures will be implemented.

(APA/Red)

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