Caritas President Warns Against Cuts in Social Assistance and Care

The Caritas once again points out the difficult conditions for the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations in the social economy. Given the current budget situation, it will be "very, very difficult" to push through large wage increases, said President Nora Tödtling-Musenbichler on the ORF "Pressestunde". In social assistance, Caritas acts as an employer. Tödtling-Musenbichler also opposed cuts in social assistance and the care bonus.

Warning of Long-term Consequential Costs

"These are difficult times for all of us," emphasized the Caritas President, but: "We never give up." Cuts initiated by the federal government are now affecting the social sector. Tödtling-Musenbichler: "The social aspect must remain at the forefront despite everything." The employee side in the social economy recently announced warning strikes for the coming week. Previously, the third round of collective bargaining negotiations had ended without result.

Regarding the planned changes in social assistance from 2026, Tödtling-Musenbichler vehemently warned against savings. Many people in Austria live in poverty, and social assistance should "catch them." Financial worries also mean less access to areas such as education and health, so cuts always have consequential costs. Every investment here is "also an investment in our future," said the Caritas President.

Child Basic Security as a Demanded Solution

As a solution, she once again called for a basic child security, a "real future package". She admitted: "This issue of poverty is very emotional," individual examples often distort the view of social benefits. These should still be available for everyone. "A large part of the people do not want to remain on social assistance," said Tödtling-Musenbichler. Many, however, cannot work because they have impairments or because they are children.

The Caritas also views the removal of the care bonus in Salzburg critically. The plans of the state are "concerning," according to Tödtling-Musenbichler, the payments are provided for in the budget. "These are people who perform hard work every day." And: "They deserve it." Care workers are urgently needed everywhere, and without appropriate remuneration, they cannot be retained in the profession.

Hospice Instead of Ban: Position on Suicide and Self-Determination

On the topic of assisted suicide, Tödtling-Musenbichler said that the individual decision of people deserves respect. Caritas wants to simultaneously expand palliative care and accompany those affected at the end of life. Regarding the headscarf ban, it is questionable whether this can ensure more self-determination.

The criticism - especially from the FPÖ - of aid organizations "annoys me," said the president. Caritas is not politically affiliated, but it is socially engaged. Tödtling-Musenbichler has been at the helm of the organization as the first woman for just over a year. Becoming more publicly known takes time, but it is not about her as a person, she said on ORF.

(APA/Red)

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