ORF reforms in the National Council: Contribution remains frozen by 2029!

ORF reforms in the National Council: Contribution remains frozen by 2029!

Österreich - The plenary week in the National Council took a significant turn when the MPs voted on the reforms in connection with the ORF contribution and the ORF bodies on March 27, 2025. The Federal Government is now facing new framework conditions, which became necessary in response to a judgment of the Constitutional Court of 2023 for the proximity of the ORF. In the future, the government may only send six of a total of 35 members of the ORF foundation council. The ORF audience council, on the other hand, will increase its representation in the Foundation Council to nine members, which means an increased participation of the public. This reports 5min.at .

Another crucial point was the ORF contribution itself. The full abolition of the article required by the FPÖ was not approved in the National Council. Instead, it was decided to freeze the ORF contribution by the end of 2029. The current contribution has been 15.30 euros per month for every Austrian budget since January 1, 2024. The regional differences in country levies are also remarkable: in Styria, for example, you pay 20 euros per month, while 19.90 euros per month are due in Burgenland and Carinthia. In Tyrol, the amount is 18.40 euros, while in Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg and Vorarlberg are 15.30 euros per month.

Other topics and decisions in the National Council

The National Council also treated a variety of other topics during the session. Among other things, an amendment to the National Socialism victim was decided, which gives the National Council President the opportunity to be voted out. This could have an impact on Walter Rosary (FPÖ), which is currently in this office. In addition, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) answered the questions of the MPs, while important topics such as the national strategy against anti -Semitism and equal treatment reports were also discussed.

Another remarkable step was the approval of an application by the FPÖ to change the procedural order for U-committees in the first reading. The meeting was rounded off by the approval of an agreement to finance 180 additional places in protection accommodations for women and children affected by violence, as well as by adopting a law to confiscate cars of extreme racers: inside. A StVO amendment to introduce a one-time energy cost subsidy of 410 euros for new self-employed people to catch up on increased energy prices was also decided.

The MPs also dealt with other topics, including the improvement of consumer rights in the electricity management and organization law and the tightening of sanctions against violations in the field of petroleum. A new law to combat terrorist contents on the Internet stipulates that hosting operators have to delete appropriate content within an hour. These measures illustrate the diverse need for action that the National Council faces and the responsibility that it bears in current social issues.