Millions for Childcare Unused: Greens Now Mobilize

The Greens see major problems in childcare in Austria and want to counteract them with a new campaign. Under the motto "More Childcare. Now." the issue is to be pushed. From the Greens' perspective, there are too few places, too short opening hours, and too high burdens for mothers. The party therefore demands 50,000 new kindergarten places by 2030, a legal right to care from the 1st birthday, and family-friendly opening hours.

Greens Promote Campaign for Better Childcare

Childcare often falls on mothers, it was stated in a release. Politics is not yet adequately addressing this: "While women juggle daily life, states leave millions in federal funds for the expansion of childcare unused." In 2023/24, almost 40 percent of the allocated funds, or a good 70 million euros, were not used. At the same time, many families cannot find a childcare place.

Increase Pressure on State Governors

Through the campaign, the Greens want to exert pressure on the state governments, among other things. Affected individuals should be able to easily send their demands to their respective state governors. The hoped-for 50,000 new kindergarten places are primarily intended for children under three years old. Only in this way can parents freely decide if and how much they want to work. Parents who want to return to work after parental leave should be guaranteed a childcare place from their child's first birthday. For the compatibility of family and work, "family-friendly opening hours nationwide" are needed, it was stated.

Zadić Sees "Slap in the Face of All Mamas"

The deputy club chairwoman of the Greens, Alma Zadić, criticized that money intended for childcare remains "unused." "This is a slap in the face of all mamas who try every day to balance family and work." No child should be turned away because politics "does not get moving."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.