Overview
- The Instagram graphic, part of a “Null-Toleranz” campaign, asserted that two thirds find living with Muslims difficult and referenced the ÖIF Integrationsbarometer.
- Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the statement reflects a scientific study, and ÖVP general secretary Nico Marchetti called the survey results valid.
- SPÖ finance minister Markus Marterbauer apologized to Muslims and distanced his party, while NEOS and the Greens criticized the message as divisive.
- Islamic organizations and NGOs, including the IGGÖ and SOS Mitmensch, denounced the framing, and the Catholic Action of Austria said such generalizations conflict with Christian values.
- The ÖVP has not retracted the post and is pushing tougher, enforceable integration measures under the campaign, including sanctions if necessary, as critics tie the strategy to competition with the FPÖ.