Cuts in the social sector: Greens sound the alarm for Vienna!

Cuts in the social sector: Greens sound the alarm for Vienna!

The Vienna Greens are sounding the alarm: planned savings in the social sector could have serious consequences for many citizens. In a recent statement, the Greens expressed sharp criticism of the budget cuts intended by the city government. “The savings primarily affect the areas of labor market promotion, addiction support and care,” emphasizes a spokesman for the Greens, referring to the upcoming decisions in the local council, which will be discussed in the coming weeks. The Vienna Social Fund (FSW) in particular is in focus with possible cuts of between 200 and 300 million euros, but the FSW has not yet been able to confirm this figure.

What does this mean specifically for the Viennese population? The Greens warn that the cuts in labor market support could be drastic. Planned programs are to be canceled completely, which could have fatal consequences, especially for people in difficult life situations. For example, the “uni.kat” workshop, which supports people with disabilities, is threatened with closure. The integration project “P.I.L.O.T.” could suffer from austerity measures.

Affected projects and programs

The planned cuts in addiction services, which could amount to between 20 and 50 percent, threaten to significantly deteriorate public safety and quality of life for those affected. “Dialogue”, “Föbes” and “Fix und Fertig” are three programs that, according to the Greens, should close. However, Ewald Lochner, managing director of the Vienna Addiction and Drug Coordination, only confirmed the discontinuation of one specific measure within the “Dialogue” program. “Fix und Fertig” and “Föbes”, on the other hand, are experiencing savings, but will remain in place for the time being.

In addition, possible cuts in the area of ​​the Vienna Youth College are being discussed. The city government is currently denying the rumor that the FSW subsidy for this institution will be abolished, which is worrying many parents and young people. Due to the cuts that have already begun in the health and social sectors, various organizations are on alert and are reporting noticeable funding cuts.

Criticism of austerity measures

The Greens see the planned savings as a breach of the promise of “Red Vienna”, which places great emphasis on social security. “We must act now to ensure the quality of life and safety of the citizens affected,” appeals a representative of the Green Party. In a welfare state there should be legally anchored tasks that counteract poverty and social exclusion. In particular, the distribution of resources and the guarantee of social justice are central points of social policy that are being called into question by these cuts.

Overall, it remains to be hoped that the voices of the Greens will be heard and the city government will abandon its savings plans. Because supporting the vulnerable groups in Vienna should be the concern of all of us.

For more information on this topic, read the reports on meinkreis.at, while more details about the social situation in Austria Statista can be read.