FPÖ warns: Austria's financial sovereignty in danger from EU deficit procedures!

FPÖ warns: Austria's financial sovereignty in danger from EU deficit procedures!

The current budget situation in Austria ensures concerned faces in politics. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) describes the situation as critical and warns of a "black hole" in the state finances, which is heavily stressed by the economy. In particular, the FPÖ blames both the previous and the current federal government, especially the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). The impending shortfall in the budget could result in an EU deficit procedure in the future, which would endanger the country's sovereignty. ots that FPÖ-MP Michael Schleditz in a National Council meeting demands new elections as a solution.

Marterbauer, the finance minister, was confronted by Schneedlitz with an urgent request that raised questions about budget consolidation. During this session, Marterbauer emphasized that the challenges could be overcome and that a double budget was in the works. He assured that the budget renovation should not excessively increase interest loads and at the same time minimize economic steam effects. He emphasizes that the decisions are made in Vienna and not in Brussels.

budget consolidation and savings measures

Schledlitz also criticized the federal government for inadequate services in areas such as health care and pension benefits. In his view, Corona policy, like sanction policy towards Russia, is responsible for the budget problem. Marterbauer replied that the budget renovation was a total task for the federal, state and communities. For 2023, a savings package of 6.4 billion euros and for 2026 of 8.7 billion euros will be planned, with the first measures to have an effect.

The EU forecasts for 2023 are worrying. The WIFO estimates economic growth of -0.3 %, while the federal estimated federal deficit is 3.3 % of GDP. The Federal Government has already decided more than 890 million euros on revenue -related measures for 2023 and plans to align the issuing measures on reforms in education and the abolition of the climate monus. However, Marterbauer also emphasizes positive developments, for example in the construction industry and the consumer rate.

forecasts and outlook

The view for the budget situation remains tense. From January to September 2024, the federal government's net financing requirement is expected to estimate 15.4 billion euros. During the same period, the payments were increased by 13.1 %, which is mainly due to increased pension expenses and a new financial equalization. At the same time, the development of income, especially in sales tax and in the real estate sector, has remained weak, such as Parlament.gv.at reports .

For 2024, the Maastricht deficit is assessed differently: the BMF expects a quota of 3.3 % of GDP, while the fiscal council assumes a quota of 3.9 %. The public debt rate for 2024 is estimated at 79.3 % of GDP, due to the higher deficit and the lower forecast growth.

The discussion about the financial situation of Austria raises numerous questions. According to Marterbauer, the measures to renovate budgets must be selected by the member states themselves. He sees FPÖ's concerns about national sovereignty as unfounded, since Austria has already successfully completed two ÜD processes. However, the need for a fact -based and quiet approach to the budget renovation remains essential.