Opposition to Dual Citizenship Advocated: FPÖ Politicians Advocate for Radical Changes
Bold New Call to Strengthen Austrian Citizenship Law
Lower Austrian Provincial Councilor, Christoph Luisser (FPO), made waves with a call for a significant tightening of Austrian citizenship law on Tuesday.
Luisser's Take on Asylum Policy and Citizenship LawLuisser argues that the current legal framework is outdated and requires a fundamental overhaul in light of internal security concerns. He gained support from constitutional and international law expert, Michael Geistlinger, who has a penchant for addressing FPO events.
Stepped-Up Requirements for NaturalizationLuisser advocates for increased waiting periods, stringent conditions for naturalization, and higher German language skills requirements. He also proposes revisions to income regulations.
Of particular interest is his assertion that even after the rehabilitation period, those convicted of serious crimes like murder or rape should not be eligible for Austrian citizenship. In his view, "Austrian citizenship isn't a disposable item."
Luisser furthermore calls for an immediate suspension of Paragraph 11a, Section 7 of the Citizenship Act, which grants asylum seekers the possibility to obtain Austrian citizenship after at least ten years of lawful and uninterrupted residence under certain conditions.
Limiting Dual Citizenship and Proposed Waiting Period AdjustmentsUnder Luisser's proposals, dual citizenship should be minimized, with the regular ten-year waiting period reduced only in exceptional cases to six years. For criminal convictions of six months or more of unconditional imprisonment, he suggests extending the waiting period.
"Misinformation Allegations"
Luisser's statements drew criticism from SOS Mitmensch, a human rights organization. Spokesman, Alexander Pollak, accused Luisser of spreading false information. In response to a right-wing extremist interview on "Info-DIREKT," which the Documentation Archive of the Austrian Resistance (DOEW) classifies as such, Pollak stated: "That is old news, legally regulated."
Additionally, SOS Mitmensch took issue with Luisser's interview partner selection, asserting: "An appearance on a right-wing extremist channel, which is under the watchful eye of the constitutional protection agency, is unbecoming for a government member."
Luisser rejected these allegations on Tuesday.
- What are Christoph Luisser's proposals for Austrian citizenship law? He advocates for increased waiting periods, stringent conditions for naturalization, higher German language skills requirements, revisions to income regulations, limiting dual citizenship, and adjusting the waiting period to six years in exceptional cases.
- Why is Luisser's call for a strengthened Austrian citizenship law controversial? SOS Mitmensch, a human rights organization, accused him of spreading false information and appearing on a right-wing extremist channel, which is under the watchful eye of the constitutional protection agency.
- In his proposals, Chrisoph Luisser suggests that even after the rehabilitation period, those convicted of serious crimes like murder or rape should not be eligible for Austrian citizenship, stating that "Austrian citizenship isn't a disposable item."
- Who supports Christoph Luisser's call for a significant tightening of Austrian citizenship law? He gained support from constitutional and international law expert, Michael Geistlinger, who has a penchant for addressing FPO events.
