Integration Minister Susanne Raab called on Thursday for a tougher stance against “integration refusers” as she presented an interim report on Austria’s “dominant culture.”
The concept of Austrian Leitkultur, or dominant culture, is a cornerstone of ‘Plan Austria,’ a policy programme of Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s People’s Party (ÖVP) set to run until 2030.
The report stipulates that from the autumn, the currently mandatory course on Austrian values for asylum seekers will be extended to one week. Additionally, German language courses and the signing of an “integration declaration” will also become compulsory.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in reduced social benefits, according to Raab, a senior member of the ÖVP. “Of course, I expect the harshest possible consequences,” she stated. “I expect the federal states to implement the integration law.”
The Ministry will “report every violation” to the federal states responsible for disbursing payments.
Throughout the presentation, Raab frequently used the slogan “Integration through adaptation,” a phrase commonly employed by the ÖVP.
Johannes Klotz, a data scientist and managing director of the research company OGM, also presented initial sociological findings. Through qualitative interviews, such as with the police and youth services, it was found that differences exist depending on asylum seekers’ country of origin, as well as whether they come from urban or rural backgrounds. However, no significant difference in “values orientation” was observed between first and second-generation immigrants, “because the family is the strongest value transmitter.” Outside the family, the labour market plays a significant role, with 48% of all small and medium-sized enterprises in urban areas already being led by individuals with a migration background.
The study also highlighted noticeable differences in media consumption, noting that the migrant community often watches television channels from their countries of origin and relies more on social media for information. The full study is expected to be presented in early 2025.
The concept of Leitkultur has faced criticism from migration experts and Austria’s other political parties, including the Freedom Party (FPÖ), which also advocates for a strong national identity.
The ÖVP is currently the senior partner in Austria’s governing coalition, which also includes the Green Party. The ÖVP is aiming to retain its position of power in the upcoming parliamentary elections on September 29. Read our guide to the elections here: Austria’s Main Political Parties Explained
