FPÖ accuses Vienna of spending billions on non-Austrians
The political debate in Vienna over social assistance has intensified following sharp accusations from the FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria), which stated that the city's social welfare system has become financially unsustainable and lacks oversight.
The leader of the FPÖ party in Vienna, Dominik Nepp, stated that the costs of social assistance have risen significantly in recent years. He explained that expenses increased by about 48.3% between 2020 and 2024, with per capita spending rising from 102 euros to 129 euros.
According to Dominik Nepp, this increase is primarily due to the rise in the number of non-Austrian beneficiaries. He confirmed that the city of Vienna currently spends about 2.5 billion euros annually on what he described as the subsequent costs associated with non-Austrians, especially in the fields of health and education.
He added that about 700 million euros are spent annually on social assistance for people who have the right to asylum. He considered that the recent cuts affecting some categories are merely symbolic steps and do not address the core of the problem.
The FPÖ party had raised similar criticisms during budget discussions, asserting that the austerity policy in Vienna targets the wrong groups. The party believes that Austrian citizens bear the financial burden, while newcomers from abroad benefit more from the current system.
During the discussions of the December 2025 budget, tensions escalated significantly. While the ruling parties approved limited amendments, the opposition considered these steps insufficient, warning that the continuation of these policies could deepen social division within Vienna.