The Initiative gegen Bezahlkarte Graz (Initiative Against Payment Cards in Graz) is an association of people who stand in solidarity with refugees and displaced persons—people who have fled due to a lack of prospects, war, persecution, or the hope for a better life. It opposes the increasingly authoritarian political and social atmosphere that criminalizes and marginalizes asylum seekers (especially non-white ones). Social problems require a solution based on solidarity across society as a whole, which cannot consist of excluding individual population groups.

What is the payment card?
The payment card is a physical card onto which the monthly basic allowance is credited. The “pocket money” of €40 per month can be withdrawn. The remaining small amount of money can currently only be spent in stores that accept debit cards – at least not in social markets or at the small grocery store on the corner. However, the use of the payment card can be restricted at any time by the government to certain stores, the state territory, a district area, or individual food retailers in the state or district. Transfers are not possible.

Want to show solidarity?
Exchange your cash for vouchers! The idea (already practiced in many cities in Germany) is that people with payment cards buy vouchers in stores (e.g., Spar, DM, Lidl, Hofer, etc.) and exchange them for your cash.

Web: https://www.instagram.com/ini_gegen_bezahlkarte_graz