Further demands

Sharp criticism and broad alliance for knife ban

The numerous knife attacks in the country now also have consequences.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

Numerous experts are backing Interior Minister Gerhard Karner in his push for a law banning the carrying of knives. However, KFV head lawyer Armin Kaltenegger is also calling for a ban on the sale of knives - public opinion is divided across the board.

Doing right by everyone is an art that nobody can do - Interior Minister Gerhard Karner is currently in this very proverbial quandary. As reported in the "Krone" newspaper, there are to be strict exclusion zones in the country in future: Local areas, enclosed built-up areas outside, parks and sports facilities, leisure parks, events such as tent and fire department festivals, public transport as well as schools and kindergartens. Knives may only be carried there in exceptional cases - but the famous pocket knife or Swiss Army knife, whose blade can only be opened with both hands, is not affected (after all).

German-style sales ban called for
While there is harsh criticism of his plans for a new "knife-carrying ban law", experts are in favor of the new regulation - some are calling for even tougher measures. Dr. Armin Kaltenegger, chief lawyer at the Austrian Road Safety Board, explains in an interview with the "Krone" newspaper: "The new prohibition law is certainly the right approach, but it lacks an accompanying sales ban. The fact that you can still freely buy switchblade knives, butterfly knives and machetes in this country is fatal. This is where we need to start and consider a regulation based on the German model," says Kaltenegger.

I am surprised that there is still a big gap in the new law. I will still be allowed to buy the wildest blades.

Dr. Armin Kaltenegger, KFV

Bild: Michael Sabotha

Even in the "Krone" online forum, there is general disagreement about Karner's approach. However, the ÖVP man is sticking to his line: "With the knife ban, we are giving the police an important tool to protect the population and disarm violent criminals. Pocket knives for hiking or hunting will of course remain permitted."

The hope remains that the new regulation will not just be a kind of "occupational therapy" for the domestic executive ...