Rapport Club: Multiple Austrians Disclosed to Reside Below Poverty Line
In 2024, a staggering 336,000 Austrians lived in absolute poverty, equating to 3.7% of the population in private households. Despite an increase in poverty rates in 2023, this number remained the same as the previous year, according to Statistics Austria [1]. Additionally, a shocking 1.529 million residents, or 16.9% of the population, were at risk of poverty or social exclusion [1].
These individuals faced a challenging reality, as they would struggle to cover unexpected expenses of €1,390 or afford a holiday [1]. Interestingly enough, education levels had a significant impact on a person's risk of poverty [2]. Those with only compulsory education were 9.7% more likely to suffer severe material and social disadvantages, with incomes 17.5% lower than the median [2]. On the other hand, individuals with university or academy degrees had incomes 24% higher than the median [2].
Befittingly referred to as the "quality of life line" [3], 1.288 million Austrians, or 14.3% of the population, were at risk of poverty [1]. While statistically insignificant when compared to 2023 figures, this indicator didn't account for a household's ability to cover basic living expenses with their income [1]. Overall, a whopping 1.529 million Austrians, or 16.9% of the general population, were at risk of poverty or social exclusion [1].
The gravity of these statistics did not go unnoticed. The Volkshilfe, a significant Austrian social welfare organization, criticized the status quo and demanded more effective strategies to combat child poverty [3]. A dire 344,000 children and adolescents were affected by poverty or social exclusion, making it paramount for targeted assistance to be addressed [3].
On the politician's front, the FPO portrayed the numbers as "extremely alarming" [3]. Social spokeswoman Dagmar Belakowitsch expressed dissatisfaction with the government's lackluster approach to inflation and called for priority to be given to Austrian citizens over "illegal asylum seekers in the country" [3].
Leading organizations such as the Volkshilfe, Poverty Conference, and Caritas have been at the forefront of advocating for stronger action to reduce child poverty and social exclusion [3]. Priority areas include child basic security, improvement in social assistance, and better-targeted support for those most in need. As a crucial step, authorities should consider enhancing access to quality education, as gaps in education levels contribute to the risk of poverty [2].
While specific initiatives from these groups may not be readily available, their relentless pursuit of change indicates a growing movement against the widespread issue of poverty in Austria.
- In an attempt to combat the rising issue of poverty, organizations like Volkshilfe, Poverty Conference, and Caritas are advocating for stronger action, emphasizing the need for child basic security, improved social assistance, and targeted support for the most vulnerable, especially in terms of access to quality education.
- Furthermore, recognizing the importance of education in mitigating poverty risk, these advocacy groups are urging authorities to consider enhancing access to quality education, as education levels significantly impact a person's risk of poverty and social exclusion.
