A local initiative is calling for greater representation for senior citizens in Döbling, Vienna. Local officials and a senior advocate respond.
VIENNA/DÖBLING. For several years, Döbling’s youth parliament has been promoting the participation of young people in the district’s political processes. The goal is to introduce 14- to 20-year-olds to politics and to better consider the needs of the district’s younger residents. Following coverage by MeinBezirk of the youth parliament’s perform, the Neustift/Salmannsdorf cultural initiative voiced its concerns. The initiative is calling for the establishment of a senior citizens’ parliament in Döbling, similar to those already in place in other districts, such as Brigittenau, and Floridsdorf.
“Unfortunately, unlike the youth parliament, Döbling does not have a senior citizens’ parliament to give the district’s much larger senior population a political voice and to formulate concerns specific to seniors in Döbling, in order to better align the district’s planning with the needs of its senior residents,” the initiative stated.
“Not in Planning”
District Administrator Daniel Resch (ÖVP) rejected this request, stating, “A senior citizens’ parliament certainly has its merits, but we currently have no plans for one.” He argued that the regular district council already reflects all eligible voting age groups, from 18 to 80 years old, and therefore provides sufficient parliamentary representation. This decision underscores the ongoing debate about effective representation within local governance.
Does the district need a senior citizens’ parliament?
Resch explained that the youth parliament fulfills a special function by giving young people without active or passive voting rights a voice and familiarizing them with the procedures of the district council and the city administration.
Personal Contact
Senior Citizens’ Advocate Michael Schödl (ÖVP) similarly spoke out against such a body. Instead, he advocates for expanding direct service offerings and individual contact formats. These include regular visits to people aged 75 and over by the Vienna Social Services, as well as a regional forum (networking of various interest groups) that will meet from April with a focus on senior citizens’ issues.
there is a monthly senior citizens’ consultation hour at the district office, security events with the neighborhood police, and a senior citizens’ fair is also planned for September. According to Schödl, personal conversations and concrete information offerings are more effective than establishing a latest parliament.
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