Against staff shortages

Babler calls for better conditions in kindergartens

SPÖ leader Andreas Babler at the show cooking with children in Traiskirchen (archive photo)(Bild: APA/Robert Jäger)

On Friday, SPÖ leader Andreas Babler called for free childcare throughout Austria. This would be possible within two years, he said. In order to attract additional staff to childcare facilities, working conditions would have to be improved.

This could also be achieved, the SPÖ federal party leader said confidently on Friday in Tyrol. "The government has these two billion for the children", he said, as it has "shelled out money" in many areas.

Babler's goal is to have free childcare throughout Austria within two years. In addition, there should be a legal entitlement to a childcare place, as is already planned in Tyrol. Babler also wants to finance one hot meal a day. The party wants to "demand rights" on behalf of every child in the country and give them a voice.

From the left: Zams mayor Benedikt Lentsch and SPÖ leader Andreas Babler(Bild: APA/Matthias Bliem-Sauermann)

Showcase model Zams
The SPÖ leader was in Zams in Tyrol on Friday, which has been offering free childcare since the start of 2023. Mayor Benedikt Lentsch (SPÖ) reported on positive experiences in his municipality. "We have responded to the wave of inflation and relieved the burden on young families in particular." The municipality, which is home to around 3,300 people, has a crèche, kindergarten and after-school care center. The free offer would save families between 500 and 2000 euros on average per year.

According to Lentsch, the municipalities spend 60,000 euros a year for 200 children. Other mayors have already approached him about the model. Babler is also expected at the end of the Innsbruck SPÖ election campaign on Saturday.