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17. 03. 10. - 15:00

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17. 03. 10. - 15:00

Strache calls for drug addicts' centres in suburbs

New ideas on the Viennese drug scene problem by Freedom Party (FPÖ) boss Heinz-Christian Strache is set to cause controversy.

The right-wing spearhead today (Weds) called for a relocation of addicts’ care centres from the city centre to its suburbs.

Strache claimed drug addicts and dealers were "lured" to city centre areas by the fact that such centres – where addicts get clean syringes and counselling – were located there. He referred to a centre at the pedestrian subway on Karls Square, the capital’s busiest public transport hub and an infamous crime and drug abuse hotspot.

Strache, who heads the FPÖ’s Vienna department at a federal level, stressed no drug addict should be denied help.

Strache called for more offered therapies and the application of "new methods".

"Too many addicts have relapses," he claimed.

Strache however remained tight-lipped over which "new methods" he had in mind.

FPÖ Vienna councillor Johann Gudenus meanwhile announced plans for protest activities against the drug addict night shelter "Ganslwirt" in Wieden district.

Speaking about areas such as Karls Square which is widely regarded as problem zones as far as street crime and drug abuse are regarded, Strache said: "As a pedestrian, you struggle to make your way through the dealing gangs hanging around there."

Strache again called for more police officers on Viennese roads, and today revealed the plan for a "special anti-drug force" for the capital to battle drug-dealing more efficiently.

The FPÖ chief promised 1,000 additional cops and a 500-member "security troop" if he becomes mayor in this autumn’s city elections.

Public opinion research agencies say the opposition party would garner around 20 per cent after winning 14.8 per cent in the past election in 2005. The Social Democrats (SPÖ) of Mayor Michael Häupl will meanwhile try to defend their absolute majority.

SPÖ Vienna councillor Kurt Wagner meanwhile dismissed Strache’s promises. Wagner claimed it was the FPÖ leader’s fault that there were too few police officers working in Vienna. Wagner made aware of cuts in the public safety sector by the government coalition formed by the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) and the FPÖ from the year 2000.

Wagner made this accusation based on the fact that police issues are the responsibility of the federal interior ministry and not the country’s nine provinces. Strache however had never been a member of a federal government in any sort of position at any time.

Austrian Times

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