Austria's top court sees record-low upheld complaints in 2024 as asylum cases surge
The Austrian Constitutional Court (VfGH) has released its 2024 annual report, highlighting a sharp drop in upheld complaints and a heavy focus on asylum news. Last year, only 2.9% of complaints succeeded, a significant fall from 8.8% in 2023. The Court also processed fewer new news, with numbers dropping from 7,993 to 5,376.
Asylum and immigration disputes dominated the Court's workload in 2024, making up over 70% of all news. Asylum-related complaints alone accounted for 66.4% of new filings. Since 2006, when the Asylgesetz 2005 took effect, the VfGH has ruled on 4,872 asylum and migration proceedings.
The Court upheld 157 cases in total last year. One notable decision struck down a provision in Lower Austria's Electricity Act, declaring it unconstitutional. Another ruling reaffirmed the right of MPs and citizens to request information from federal officials. Meanwhile, the Court dismissed a motion in the 'red-blue abuse of power' probe, despite support from a quarter of its members.
Proceedings moved faster in 2024, with the average case taking 79 days—16 days quicker than the previous year.
The report shows a clear trend toward fewer upheld complaints and a streamlined process. Asylum news continue to shape the Court's agenda, reflecting broader legal challenges in this area. The 2024 figures also confirm a steady decline in new filings compared to previous years.
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