Landbauer threatens benefit cuts over integration breaches

Udo Landbauer, leader of the FPÖ in Lower Austria and the state’s deputy governor, has called for stricter sanctions against asylum seekers unwilling to integrate, ORF reported after its “NÖ heute” summer interview with him.

Recipients of basic support in Lower Austria are expected to sign an integration code from autumn, Landbauer said. The code, presented in May by FPÖ integration councillor Martin Antauer, states that integration is the responsibility of those seeking it and that German is the basis for living together.

Violations would initially lead to a reduction in basic support payments, Landbauer said. Repeated violations could result in the complete withdrawal of support as a final consequence.

To address rising housing costs, Landbauer also called for lower fees. He said charges were chiefly responsible for increased costs for tenants and homeowners and argued that the state, provinces and municipalities should reduce spending instead of continually raising fees to support their budgets.

Landbauer rejected speculation that the next Lower Austrian state election could be brought forward, saying this was not an option. The next election is scheduled for January 2028.

He said support for the governing coalition between the ÖVP and FPÖ had increased since the last election and that he therefore expected the coalition to complete its five-year term before voters had their say.