Mayor warns

Childcare as a financial burden for municipalities

(Bild: stock.adobe.com/Monkey Business )

Parents should finance kindergarten places themselves in future - this is what Mayor Peter Suntinger is calling for. This would eliminate enormous costs for the municipalities.  

Like many other Carinthian municipalities, the Mölltal municipality of Großkirchheim is running out of money. "We simply have to make a lot more savings," emphasizes Peter Suntinger, mayor of the 1310-strong community in Upper Carinthia.

The FP politician is also in favor of cost-cutting measures in the area of childcare. "In 2023, a total of 81,000 euros was incurred for childcare. We are talking about 23,500 euros for afternoon care. So we're talking about a loss of more than 100,000 euros. A municipality can no longer afford this in the future," warns Suntinger, citing future parental contributions as a solution.

100 euros per month from parents
According to Suntinger, parents should pay up to 100 euros per month for a childcare place. "The last year of kindergarten before starting school can remain free of charge. But the years before that simply have to be self-financed," says the head of the municipality. He is aware "that many women want to return to work straight away, but that's exactly when they have to accept that fees have to be paid for kindergarten places".

Socially disadvantaged families are exempt. "The social neediness of families must be checked. Those who cannot afford it should of course continue to be supported," adds Suntinger.