At the 71st Austrias “Gemeindetag” in Klagenfurt, Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz appeals to the municipal administration level to turn two screws in order to improve cooperation with the people: "Firstly: improve communication! Citizens deserve quick, transparent and understandable answers. And secondly: Establish a culture of apology! When mistakes happen, apologising doesn't break anyone's back - not even the authorities. Apology is a magic word that should also be used much more in the administrative sector."
The Austrian Ombudsman Board received around 24,000 complaints in 2024. Around 3,500 concerned the provincial and municipal administration. "That was three per cent fewer complaints than in the previous year. The Austrian administration functions very well by international standards. But there is always room for improvement. As the Austrian Ombudsman Board, we see ourselves as a strong partner of the municipalities when it comes to acting in a more service-orientated and citizen-oriented manner. For example, when it comes to the 15 per cent of all complaints relating to spatial planning, zoning or building law," says Gaby Schwarz.
The Ombudsperson described it as "regrettable" that not a single woman had a chance to speak at the opening of the Municipalities Day. "It's time for women to take up more space. On stages as well as in municipal councils," says Gaby Schwarz, referring to the fact that only 11 per cent of mayors in Austria are women.
Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz: "It's time for women to take up more space. On stage as well as in local councils." (Photo: Austrian Ombudsman Board)