A new survey by the Gallup Institute shows that many Austrians hold strong reservations about immigration, with nearly half expressing support for the migration policies of the far-right FPÖ.
According to the poll, 64 percent of respondents believe the government’s immigration policy is not strict enough. The FPÖ received the highest approval ratings on migration policy, with 46 percent saying they are very or somewhat satisfied with the party’s approach. That placed the FPÖ ahead of the conservative ÖVP, which received 33 percent support.
The survey also found that 71 percent of the 1,000 respondents believe immigration threatens Austria’s security. Another 69 percent said they are concerned about Austria’s values, while 51 percent expressed concern that migration could negatively affect the country’s prosperity.
Majority Supports Common EU Migration Policy
A majority of respondents, 62 percent, said they would prefer a common European Union policy on asylum and migration. Only 30 percent favored migration policy remaining solely under national control, a position particularly supported by FPÖ voters.
Three-quarters of respondents also backed a proposal by Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) to limit family reunification through a quota system. Support for the measure reached 90 percent among FPÖ voters and 53 percent among Green Party voters.
Measures aimed at addressing the root causes of migration in countries of origin received less support overall, with only 43 percent of respondents backing that approach.
