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SPÖ calls for price caps: This is how your life can remain affordable again!
SPÖ leader Klaus Seltenheim criticizes the FPÖ and calls for price interventions to combat inflation and energy poverty.
SPÖ calls for price caps: This is how your life can remain affordable again!
On August 12, 2025, the SPÖ federal manager Klaus Seltenheim commented sharply on the current discussion about energy prices and social justice. He criticized the FPÖ, which he said is on the wrong side of the debate and represents ultra-liberal views that oppose necessary interventions to reduce the cost of living. Seltenheim emphasizes that the SPÖ is implementing concrete measures to combat inflation and is committed to supporting an affordable life alongside the population.
A central concern of the SPÖ is the introduction of a social electricity tariff, which was developed in response to the growing energy poverty in society. The SPÖ plans to use this tariff to make the high energy costs easier for needy households, including minimum pensioners and those in need of care. The proposed legislation sets the social tariff at 6 cents per kilowatt hour, which is below the current market price.
Reduce electricity costs
The government has submitted the new Electricity Industry Act (ElWG) for review, which not only provides for the introduction of the social tariff, but also pursues goals such as reducing electricity costs and securing energy supplies. State Secretary Michaela Schmidt emphasized that energy must be viewed as a vital commodity, which is why these measures are of great importance. The costs of the social tariff should be borne by the energy supply companies, which are also obliged to pass on falling prices to consumers.
The rent freeze is another example of the SPÖ's efforts to reduce the cost of living. Around 2.7 million tenants are expected to save around 140 million euros through this measure. The socio-political context is further reinforced by the ongoing discussion about energy poverty. Many households are faced with significant challenges due to rising energy prices and poor financial situations.
Background to energy poverty
Energy poverty, which is also discussed in other countries, refers to the situation when households have to spend more than 10% of their income on energy to cover basic needs such as heating and lighting. The causes are diverse and range from a poor financial situation to inefficient living standards and rising energy prices. Low-income households in particular are severely affected, which underlines the importance of measures such as the social energy tariff.
The SPÖ sees itself as responsible for fighting for fair pricing that is oriented towards the common good, in contrast to the FPÖ, which, according to Seltenheim, is characterized by internal contradictions. He appeals to political responsibility to finally take the necessary steps to keep life affordable for many people and at the same time secure social standards.
The political discourse around these issues will continue to intensify in the coming months as the need for measures to combat energy poverty and secure quality of life becomes increasingly urgent. While the SPÖ presents clear measures, it remains to be seen how the opposition parties will react and whether they can contribute constructively to the solution. This remains a crucial issue for society and politics.