All EU citizens will be able to vote in the European Parliament elections on 9 June. However, only Austrian citizens can decide on the composition of the provincial parliaments and parliament. This means that 19 per cent of people living here have to live with policies that are not made for them. "As non-Austrians are not potential voters, it is not strategically expedient for the parties to represent their interests," explains Katrin Praprotnik. "This hinders integration in two ways." The researcher knows from previous studies that not taking part in ballots is associated with a lack of trust in politics.
A rapid change in the legal situation is not in sight. However, the proportion of foreign nationals in the resident population will increase and many are probably not interested in giving up their nationality. Praprotnik therefore suggests setting up a citizens' council after this year's elections. "Everyone could get involved and at least initiate the long-overdue debate," says the researcher. Parties and members of parliament would then have the opportunity to react to the mood instead of stirring up emotions themselves. As a first step towards more co-determination, Praprotnik would open up instruments of direct democracy, such as referendums, to everyone.