Austria's ÖVP pushes for ankle monitors for dangerous individuals, SPÖ open to discussion

Following a terror attack in Berlin, Austria's ÖVP party is intensifying discussions on how to handle individuals deemed dangerous. ÖVP parliamentary group leader Ernst Gödl is advocating for the introduction of electronic ankle monitors for potential attackers, a proposal he intends to bring to coalition partners SPÖ and Neos. Gödl, who also serves as his party's security spokesperson, stated, "I consider the ankle monitor for dangerous individuals to be correct." He views this as a logical progression of counter-terrorism efforts, especially in light of the Berlin attack, building upon previous measures like messenger surveillance.

Gödl also expressed openness to the idea of GPS bracelets, previously mentioned by Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ), calling it a "feasible path." He emphasized that such measures are not about general surveillance but are targeted at a small number of cases. The SPÖ has responded positively, with Women's Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner stating, "The protection of women and the security of our country are top priorities. Therefore, the introduction of an ankle monitor or GPS bracelet for violent offenders is a necessary further development of violence protection and the security architecture in Austria." Her ministry has already initiated a working group on the matter with the Interior and Justice Ministries.

In parallel, Gödl highlighted his party's "stringent, consistent asylum policy," referencing recent figures from Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) showing asylum applications at a 23-year low, which he considers a successful "asylum turnaround." The FPÖ, however, dismissed these proposals as a "diversionary tactic from Karner's total failure" in asylum and migration policy. They are calling for a "radical change" in security and asylum policy, advocating for a "consistent remigration policy and an immediate asylum stop" instead of ankle monitors for Islamists.

Gödl also expressed optimism regarding reforms to military service, aiming to secure the necessary two-thirds majority for changes to civilian service.