A fine of 2500 euros for those refusing integration in Lower Austria
Lower Austria (Niederösterreich) is moving towards implementing a new legal package targeting what it calls "forced integration" and combating "radical Islam," with a final decision expected during the local parliament session on April 30. The leaders of the parliamentary blocs Jochen Danninger (ÖVP) and Reinhard Teufel (FPÖ) threatened to impose fines of up to 2,500 euros on those who refuse integration, emphasizing the application of "the utmost severity."
The plan presented by Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) and her deputy Udo Landbauer (FPÖ) includes amendments to five regional laws and is considered part of a "comprehensive campaign against Islamic extremism." According to statements, everyone living in Lower Austria "must respect the laws and societal values," especially within kindergartens and schools.
One of the main aspects of the plan is to tighten the obligation of parents to participate in school and kindergarten life. For example, fines of up to 2,500 euros, or even six weeks of alternative imprisonment, will be imposed on parents who ignore mandatory meetings due to their refusal to communicate with teachers.
The plan also stipulates a ban on wearing the burqa in government institutions, on the grounds that it is a "symbol of oppression." Any government employee belonging to extremist Islamic associations or violating the new laws will be dismissed, even if no clear cases have been recorded so far, according to the announcement.
Reinhard Teufel (FPÖ) emphasized that these measures target "political Islam", considering that it has spread in Austria due to "uncontrolled mass immigration". He added that all available legal means will be used, including the establishment of a regional security council (Landessicherheitsrat) and an observatory to monitor extremism.
Landeshauptfrau Mikl-Leitner stated that "radical Islam is the biggest threat to our way of life," citing a recent stabbing attack in the city of Villach. She reiterated that those who integrate are welcome, while those who refuse will face "severe consequences." Mikl-Leitner also called on the federal government to extend the penalties applied in kindergartens to include schools, emphasizing that the fine of 2,500 euros is considered an "effective pressure tool."
For his part, Landbauer (FPÖ) described the plan as a "final break with years of tolerance and beautification." He added: "Anyone who tramples on our values or places Islam above our laws and freedom must bear the consequences." The final step in this plan will be to amend the state constitution to include values such as "humanity, justice, and pride in traditions and homeland" as official goals.
Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) supported the measures and stated that "those who live among us must learn German, want to work, and respect our values," referring to the possibility of using sanctions as a means of pressure. Michael Schnedlitz (FPÖ) also renewed his call for a law banning political Islam, demanding the closure of mosques and associations that he sees as "breeding grounds for extremist ideologies," and called for a complete halt to receiving asylum applications.