Austrian Chancellor apologizes for calling childcare 'not work'

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker has issued a public apology for his controversial statement that childcare is not work. "A sentence of mine is causing discussions. Rightly so, because it is wrong," Stocker, leader of the ÖVP party, said in a statement.

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A sentence of mine is causing discussions. Rightly so, because it is wrong.

His initial remarks, made during an appearance in Salzburg, had drawn sharp criticism from the FPÖ, the Greens, and even his coalition partner, the SPÖ. Stocker had responded to a question about what he planned to do for mothers by saying, "For me, childcare is not unpaid work." He added that he had not raised his children as a "calculation game" of what he would get in return.

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To all those who feel hurt, insulted, or undervalued by my statement, I apologize in all clarity.

"To all those who feel hurt, insulted, or undervalued by my statement, I apologize in all clarity," Stocker stated. He continued, "Childcare is work. Especially women, who in the vast majority of families still take on the majority of childcare, are doing great things." Stocker emphasized that mothers, fathers, and grandparents all do a tremendous job in caring for and raising children, making an immeasurable contribution to society and the nation's future. "For this, they deserve our thanks, our respect, and our support," the Chancellor concluded.

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Childcare is work. Especially women, who in the vast majority of families still take on the majority of childcare, are doing great things.

Earlier, Lower Austria Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) had defended Stocker, suggesting he meant that children bring more joy than work to parents. However, other parties interpreted his words differently. SPÖ women's spokesperson Sabine Schatz expressed incomprehension, arguing that unpaid work should be made visible, not downplayed. "Anyone who speaks like this ignores the reality of life for many women. Childcare is not a side issue, but hard work. And it is unpaid, with consequences for income, career, and pension," Schatz said, pointing to the upcoming Equal Pension Day which highlights the gender pension gap.

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For me, childcare is not unpaid work.