In Steyrmark, the struggle against begging has intensified
In a significant move, the government of Styria has introduced stricter rules for begging, effective from September 1st. These new regulations aim to curb aggressive and organized begging, with penalties for administrative offenses reaching up to 5,000 euros.
Under the new rules, it is forbidden to induce a person to beg or to organize begging in a group. Begging "in an importunate or aggressive manner, such as by touching, insulting, uninvited accompaniment, or unwanted entry" is specifically banned. Additionally, neither children nor animals may be taken along when begging, except for assistance dogs in Styria.
The decision to implement a sectoral begging ban lies with the city government. However, the city administration of Graz, the Styrian capital, did not plan the ban on sectoral begging. Styrian Governor Mario Kunasek, who drove the amendment of the begging law, expressed surprise that Graz did not want to issue a sectoral begging ban.
On the other hand, KPOÖ Mayor Elke Kahr, on behalf of the Graz city coalition of KPOÖ, Greens, and SPÖ, stated in June that sectoral begging bans are not needed in Graz. This stance is supported by observations in Linz, where sectoral begging bans have been found to not solve the problem and cause new issues.
Cities and municipalities have the possibility to prohibit begging by ordinance at certain public places if it could impair the use of the public place by other persons or disturb local community life. This power allows for a more targeted approach to managing begging in specific areas, rather than a blanket ban.
It is important to note that the stricter rules for begging in Styria were fixed in a government meeting in May and passed in the state parliament in June. The investigation into a doctor accused of inseminating a woman without her knowledge has been closed, and a nighttime home invasion at an elderly couple has occurred, but these facts are not directly related to the new begging rules.
