FPÖ Lower Austria attacks Interior Minister Karner over police duty-time model

Specifically, the criticism is directed at the gradual introduction of the model from the year 2027 as well as at planned cuts in executive personnel. According to the FPÖ, overtime worth 78 million euros was already saved in 2025 and 2026; further savings of 94 million euros are planned for 2027 and 2028. The model is being introduced "solely and exclusively because the federal government wants to save money on the executive."

Criticism of cuts and 24-hour shifts

Eisenhut spoke of an actual shortfall of around 4,000 employees across Austria. The planned reduction of on-call duty hours as well as changes to the previous 24-hour shifts met with resistance. The abolition of many 24-hour shifts is particularly controversial. In the district of Gänserndorf, a trial operation is already planned for autumn 2026.

An internal FPÖ calculation showed a possible gross income loss of more than 900 euros for an average officer. According to Eisenhut, the mood within the executive was "never as bad as it is right now."

Karner rejects the allegations

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) rejected the allegations via a statement from his office: "Die heutige peinliche Vorstellung der FPÖ-Proponenten Landbauer und Eisenhut richtet sich von selbst." It is the Freedom Party that constantly launches attacks against police officers. "Sich jetzt als Verteidiger der Polizei zu inszenieren, schlägt dem sprichwörtlichen Fass den Boden aus." Karner also pointed to the FPÖ's behavior in investigative committees: "Es ist die FPÖ, die etwa im U-Ausschuss Ermittler und Streifenpolizisten stundenlang mit sich wiederholenden Fragen quält und sekkiert." ÖVP club chairman Hanger made clear: "Denn es sind die Freiheitlichen, die ständig Attacken gegen unsere Polizistinnen und Polizisten reiten."

SPÖ and parts of the ÖVP raise concerns

The SPÖ also announced resistance to the duty-time model. Club chairman Hannes Weninger said: "Statt schmerzlicher Gehaltseinbußen von mehreren hundert Euro pro Monat über den Umweg neuer Dienstzeiten fordert die SPÖ ein höheres Grundgehalt für die Exekutive." The Social Democrats want to introduce a motion at the upcoming state parliament session that is to contain "Verbesserungen für den Polizeidienst."

Critical voices also came from the People's Party Lower Austria, albeit with an appeal for objectivity. VPNÖ state managing director Matthias Zauner and NÖAAB state chairwoman Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister emphasized: "Die Anliegen der Polizisten müssten ernst genommen werden, gleichzeitig dürfe keine unnötige Verunsicherung entstehen." Karner likewise warned against causing uncertainty and "unehrlichen Halbwahrheiten."

Trial operation in Gänserndorf from autumn 2026

The debate over the new duty-time model comes during a phase of strained personnel situation and ongoing federal budget negotiations. The FPÖ announced that it would continue to raise its criticism in the state parliament and at the federal level. It remains open whether the planned cuts will be implemented in the envisaged form or renegotiated.

The trial operation in the district of Gänserndorf from autumn 2026 is considered an important practical test for the new model. Should the data collected there confirm the need for reform, an expansion to further districts and federal states is planned. Critics such as Landbauer, on the other hand, are calling for the project to be stopped and for investment to be made in personnel and base salaries instead.