# Archbishop Grünwidl Marks Austrian National Day

October 26, 2026 at 12:48 PM

> Archbishop Josef Grünwidl warns of rising political extremes and criticizes social assistance reforms in a National Day video message.

Archbishop of Vienna **Josef Grünwidl** released a video message on social networks to mark the **Austrian** **National Day** on October 26. In his address, he identified democracy, neutrality, the rule of law, and the social safety net as the essential roots of Austria.

Grünwidl expressed concern over demographic shifts and noted that political extremes are strengthening while the center crumbles. He specifically criticized a planned social assistance reform, stating it will increase pressure on the nation's safety net.

The Archbishop warned that the situation for those at the poverty line will worsen due to the government's reform. Despite these concerns, Grünwidl expressed confidence that the people of Austria will be able to master these various challenges together.


[#Austria](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/austria>) [#NationalDay](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/nationalday>) #JosefGrünwidl #Democracy [#SocialReform](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/socialreform>)

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