Politicians in criticism: Nulllohn round demanded - who is left out?

Politicians in criticism: Nulllohn round demanded - who is left out?

The current political debate about salary increases for politicians in Austria increases in intensity. The federal government has announced that it would forego an increase in politician salaries for 2024, a so-called zero-wage round, as the Turquoise-Green Federal Government decided in summer. This affects top politicians such as the Federal President and the entire government team. The FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, does not find this decision far. Kickl calls for an expansion of this round of zero to all federal states, since in his opinion it is inappropriate to make differences between federal and state politicians. "The money comes from the same taxpayers," he said when he raised the demand for a uniform regulation for salaries. He announced that the FPÖ would like to bring a corresponding application to the National Council on Wednesday to take a close look at the salaries in the countries.

The discussion about the zero -wage round has recently gotten because the majority relationships in the National Council have changed after the elections in September. The FPÖ and the NEOS are entering a more comprehensive zero -wage round, while the Greens, represented by their club chairman Sigrid Maurer, have also requested that the zero -wage round to members of the National Council and the Federal Council, as well as to government chiefs and state councils. "It is unacceptable that the countries should not be included in such a solution," criticized Maurer. The Court of Auditors has already published a legal adjustment factor of 4.6 percent for politicians in 2025, which must now be discussed in the National Council. The parties are under pressure to take effective austerity measures in the face of an enormous budget hole in Austria.

political symbolism and justice

The FPÖ sees the zero -wage round as a "commandment of justice". Kickl emphasizes that the current recession is inappropriate if the political elite treats itself to salary increases. He calls for a reform of the promotion criteria for politician salaries, since the current regulations have led to a "stain carpet" in the references. The negotiations in the National Council on a possible expansion of the zero -wage round are therefore in a decisive phase, and the political landscape is becoming clear by a clear tension. Whether the new government will reach an agreement will be crucial for the coming months, in which Austria is increasingly confronted with financial challenges, such as and report the press.