Austria's FPÖ Proposes Social Benefit Cuts to Fight Truancy; Germany to Significantly Hike School Attendance Fines
In a bid to combat school absenteeism, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) proposes replacing fines with reduced social benefits. Meanwhile, Germany plans to significantly increase penalties for violating compulsory schooling from September 1, 2026.
Currently, the procedure for truancy remains unchanged, involving educators and ultimately the district authorities. In Austria, the FPÖ suggests cutting social benefits instead of imposing fines. In Germany, the fine for such offenses is set to rise from 110 to 440 euros, with the new range being 150 to 1,000 euros. Parents refusing mandatory support measures for potential school dropouts could face fines between 150 and 1,000 euros. The duration of substitute imprisonment remains two weeks if the fine is uncollectible.
The exact details of who will implement these changes and how they will be carried out in Germany can be found by reviewing current legislative proposals and reforms in the education sector. Typically, such changes are decided by the Bundestag or the Landtages, as education policy falls under the jurisdiction of the federal states.
The Freedom Party of Austria advocates for a shift in handling truancy, while Germany plans substantial increases in fines for violating compulsory schooling. To stay informed about specific details and updates, it is recommended to consult official sources such as the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) or the relevant ministries in the federal states.
