Alliance for the Future of Austria Facts for Kids

BZÖ logo since 2011

The Alliance for the Future of Austria (often called BZÖ) is a political party in Austria. It was started by Jörg Haider. Josef Bucher is its current leader.

What the BZÖ Believes In
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What the BZÖ Believes In

The BZÖ says it is "free from strong beliefs, but focused on the future and traditional values." Some of its ideas are different from other parties.

How They Want to Change Government

They want more direct democracy. This means giving people more direct say in government decisions.
They believe in a Europe where each country keeps its strong national identity.
They want a main group of countries within the European Union (EU), including Austria.

Ideas for the Economy

They support a social market economy. This is an economy that mixes free markets with social fairness.
They want rules for businesses about jobs and protecting the environment.
They suggest a Tobin tax. This is a small tax on money moving between countries.
They want to help small businesses grow.
They believe the government should spend more money on new ideas and research.
They support a minimum wage. This is the lowest amount a worker can be paid.
They want to make vocational education stronger. This includes apprenticeships that can lead to a higher school diploma.
They suggest a flat tax. This means everyone pays the same percentage of their income in tax.
They want tax breaks for families who pay for childcare.
They support an EU-wide Green tax shift. This means taxing things that harm the environment more.
They want to end the inheritance tax. This is a tax on money or property received after someone dies.

Views on Immigration and Safety

They want strict rules for immigration.
They believe in a "fair and strict" law on asylum. Asylum is when someone seeks safety in another country.
They want a referendum on Austria's neutrality. A referendum is when people vote directly on a law or issue.
They want to create a "Green Card" system like Canada's. This would be part of the immigration process.
They want to change the compulsory military service to a voluntary army.

Ideas for Education and Farming

They support comprehensive schooling for children aged six to fifteen.
They believe pre-school should be compulsory for all children.
They want compulsory German lessons for children of immigrants.
They support organic farming. This is farming without artificial chemicals.
They want to bring agriculture back under government control.

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Jörg Haider started the BZÖ in 2005.

Alliance for the Future of Austria facts for kids

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