A Syrian family of nine living in Vienna has sparked a heated debate after it was revealed they receive €4,600 per month in social assistance, including housing benefits.
This amount is significantly higher than what similar families receive in other Austrian states, where the support can be less than half.
The case has drawn criticism from political parties, particularly the Freedom Party (FPÖ), which argues that such payments create a disincentive to work and attract migrants to the capital.
In contrast, the Vienna Social Affairs Department defends the payments, stating that they are necessary to prevent poverty.
The discussion highlights the disparities in social welfare systems across Austria and raises questions about fairness and the sustainability of such benefits.
