A recent survey has shown that the vast majority of Austrians are pushing for stricter asylum measures, including an immediate halt to family reunifications for asylum seekers.
The poll, conducted by UniqueResearch for ATV, revealed that over 80% of respondents support tightening asylum regulations, with 59% strongly in favor and 22% moderately backing the idea. A mere 12% opposed the policy, showing a clear consensus among the public.
This surge in support follows the Austrian government’s decision to impose a temporary “zero quota” on family reunifications—a move aimed at addressing the ongoing strain on Austria’s social systems caused by the asylum crisis. While some skeptics see this as a gesture meant to placate the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), which dominated last year’s elections but failed to join the new coalition, the government is pressing ahead with the measure.
On Wednesday, Austria’s Council of Ministers took the first steps to implement the policy, stating they would push for necessary actions at the European level to enforce the reunification halt. While the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) has long been in power, critics argue that prior attempts to enforce stricter asylum policies have stalled, despite growing public demand.
The poll highlights a strong cross-party consensus, with ÖVP voters overwhelmingly supporting the policy (96%), followed by 94% of FPÖ supporters. Even the liberal NEOS party saw 83% approval, while 68% of Socialist Party (SPÖ) voters and 61% of Green voters also backed the move. Political analyst Alexandra Siegl noted that while the feasibility of enforcing such policies at the EU level remains uncertain, the shift in public sentiment towards more restrictive immigration measures is unmistakable.
This push for stricter asylum laws comes amid a heated political environment. After failed coalition talks with the FPÖ, a new alliance was formed between the ÖVP, the SPÖ, and the liberal NEOS. Despite the FPÖ’s strong electoral performance, establishment parties remain in power. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl has fiercely criticized the ÖVP, accusing them of negotiating in bad faith while sidelining his party’s hardline anti-immigration policies, which included proposals to extend naturalization waiting periods and ramp up deportations.
With public support for tougher asylum measures higher than ever, the stage is set for a significant political battle as Austria looks to reshape its immigration policies.
