Salzburg state cancels family benefits for asylum seekers
Starting from September 1st, the state of Salzburg will no longer provide a number of family-related financial aids for asylum seekers. These cuts include programs that were previously available regardless of residency status, allowing many asylum seekers to benefit from them in the past.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Marlene Svazek (from the FPÖ party), responsible for integration issues, described the decision as the "end of the culture of financial welcome." She explained that asylum seekers and other beneficiaries of the basic assistance system will be excluded from family support programs specifically designated for the residents of Salzburg. She pointed out that these individuals are already receiving housing, food, health insurance, German language courses, clothing allowances, and other forms of support according to federal guidelines.
The programs that will be canceled include "Support for Multiple Births", "Assistance for Pregnant Women", and "Emergency Assistance for Salzburg Families". According to official information, these aids provided families with amounts ranging from 300 to 3,000 euros depending on the situation. In recent years, about 270,000 euros have been allocated annually to these three programs regardless of residency status.
Svatcik defended the decision, emphasizing that the funds should be directed exclusively to the families of Salzburg. She added that her party fundamentally rejects providing special financial benefits to asylum seekers, arguing that local residents should have priority in times of limited resources.
However, this step has drawn criticism from opposition parties. The KPÖ Plus party accused Svaztic and the FPÖ party of using these cuts as a political tool to divert attention, considering it an attempt to shift focus away from the party's failures in social care and youth services. This debate reflects the rising tensions in Salzburg's internal politics regarding immigration and social support.