Instead of grandparental leave

Greens want mandatory kindergarten expansion

The Greens reject the ÖVP proposal for grandparental leave. Instead, more childcare facilities are needed (symbolic image).

(Bild: Graham Oliver -stock.adobe.com)

The Greens have now spoken out on the ÖVP's proposal for grandparental leave. Instead, they are calling for a mandatory expansion of childcare facilities in the federal states and municipalities. "We are not getting anywhere", said family spokesperson Barbara Neßler.

"I've been hearing for decades that childcare should be expanded." If municipalities and federal states refuse to expand, families will be the ones to suffer. If there is no adequate provision, women have no choice but to stay at home with the children. In this case, this has nothing to do with voluntariness, said Barbara Neßler from the Green Party.

"Every family, every woman, every parent has the right to decide for themselves how they want to organize their lives." There would need to be a legal entitlement to a childcare place from the age of one.

I've been hearing for decades that childcare should be expanded. We are not getting anywhere.

Grüne Abgeordnete Barbara Neßler

SPÖ: Lack of money
As expected, agreement came from the SPÖ, which also rejects the grandparental leave proposal. "The local authorities would be prepared to expand childcare if the federal government were to provide them with the financial resources," said SPÖ municipal spokesperson Andreas Kollross. His party had already tabled several motions on childcare in parliament, but the Greens had remained silent or even voted against them.

ÖVP: No objection
The ÖVP was irritated by the Greens' statements. "The expansion of childcare and the plans for the introduction of grandparental leave as a voluntary additional option do not contradict each other. In addition, the federal government is already investing 4.5 billion euros in more childcare places," said Bettina Zopf, Member of Parliament.

Grandparental leave means that grandparents receive money when they look after their grandchildren because the parents are working. Working parents should be able to take time off work for this.