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Poverty in Austria: A Growing Crisis and Proposed Solutions
Table of Contents
The Scale of the Problem
According to Volkshilfe, 1.5 million people across Austria, or 17 percent of the population, are at risk of poverty. In Vienna alone, 400,000 people are affected – more on this in wien.ORF.at. A person is generally considered to be at risk of poverty if they have less than 1,661 euros net per month.
Martin Schenk from the Poverty Conference emphasized the importance of preventative measures: “States that successfully align their preventive instruments in health, education, social security systems and housing have the lowest poverty.” Doris Pettighofer, managing director of the platform for single parents, noted that the risk of poverty in Austria has been increasing disproportionately for decades, especially among families of single parents – despite commitments from decision-makers.
One in Five Children Lives in Poverty
On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, aid organizations highlighted the need for stronger social security. One in five children in Austria grows up in poverty. Representatives argue that education and effective support systems are crucial for alleviating this suffering in the long term.
Key Areas of Concern
Child poverty
Children are disproportionately affected by poverty. Hanna lichtenberger from Volkshilfe states that 21 percent of children are affected, leading to increased illness, fewer educational opportunities, and a higher risk of poverty in adulthood. “We make it very difficult for children to free themselves from poverty,” she says.
Citing OECD figures, Lichtenberger estimates the annual costs of child poverty at 18 billion euros.She advocates for basic child welfare, all-day schools with lunch programs, and an improved health system, particularly for chronically ill children. The Federal Youth Representative Council (BJV) also urges the government to prioritize the implementation of basic child protection as outlined in the government program.
Energy Poverty and Housing
Caritas reports that 358,000 people in Austria are affected by “energy poverty,” struggling to afford adequate heating and electricity. Affordable housing is a critical need, alongside preventative measures against eviction.
Homelessness
Young people are increasingly experiencing homelessness. Alexander Machatschke, managing director of the Federal Working Group for Homeless Assistance, explains that evictions increased by
