Hijab and social assistance: negotiations begin within the government
The Austrian government is preparing for heated discussions with two controversial topics on the agenda of the cabinet this week: amendments to social assistance and a proposal to ban headscarves for girls under the age of 14. Both measures are strongly pushed by the People's Party (ÖVP) and have already sparked wide political divisions.
Chancellor Christian Stöcker announced plans to introduce a unified social assistance system nationwide. Under the proposal, payments to families with multiple children will be reduced, and the large minimum of 9,000 euros net per month will be abolished. The People's Party also wants to impose a waiting period of three years before newcomers can receive full benefits, arguing that 'those who have not paid anything cannot receive everything.'
The issue has gained momentum as many state leaders from different parties are also calling for reforms. The Mayor of Vienna from the Social Democratic Party, Michael Ludwig, wants to link the minimum income to the Public Employment Service (AMS), while the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, insists that her state will not pay "one cent more" than it already does. In Styria, the Freedom Party Governor, Mario Kunasek, is proposing a stricter special law for social assistance. Despite the differing solutions, everyone agrees that the burden on the federal budget has become unsustainable.
Minister of Social Affairs Corina Schumann has not yet presented detailed proposals but emphasized that reforms must ensure justice and be in line with the constitution. She confirmed that the government is considering amendments such as providing in-kind benefits and possibly establishing a "basic child allowance" aimed at lifting children out of the social assistance cycle and giving them better opportunities for the future. However, she warned at the same time that imposing a comprehensive cap on families could be unconstitutional and subject to judicial annulment.
At the same time, the People's Party is also pushing for a constitutional ban on the hijab for girls under the age of 14. Family and Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm, supported by Mikl-Leitner, believes that Austria must defend equality between boys and girls and reject "any influence of Islamic law." The imposition of fines of up to 1,000 euros on offending parents is being discussed. However, there are still disagreements within the ruling coalition about whether the ban will be presented to the cabinet next week.
With social aid reform and a hijab ban on the agenda, the Austrian coalition is facing one of the most controversial cabinet meetings yet. The outcomes could impact not only the country's social safety net but also its stance on religious practice freedoms in schools.