Government in criticism: Sepp Schellhorn and the waste of tax money!

Government in criticism: Sepp Schellhorn and the waste of tax money!

On June 8, 2025, the Austrian government will look back on its first hundred days in the triple coalition. The first few months were characterized by violent austerity measures, which were particularly hard hit by the socially weaker - poor, old, children and sick. In contrast, the government offices were generously equipped. In this context, State Secretary Josef "Sepp" Schellhorn is increasingly regarded as a symbol for the waste of tax money. This reports oe24.at .

Schellhorn is exposed to considerable criticism and emphasized in an interview that the image of the "luxury boys" is attached to him. He indicates that 1,000 euros per month for his Audi A8, which he hardly uses. He provides that his gross earnings of 17,165 euros ultimately only deducted 500 euros, but not the claimed 1,000 euros. Critics, especially from the FPÖ, rejected his statements as untrue. FPÖ general secretary Michael Schledlitz has referred to Schellhorn as "total damage" and "miscarriage" and calls for consequences. He also criticizes the fact that taxpayers have to pay for two service cars because the leasing contract for an Audi A6 is still over a year. This criticism is documented by Today.at

criticism of government work

In addition to Schellhorn, Andi Babler is also criticized, who is held responsible for strategically unnecessary statements and ignoring the needs of people. Christian Stocker, who tried to copy the FPÖ, is described as unsuccessful. Compared to the positive mentions of Minister Norbert Tettschnig and State Secretary Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig, there are rather disappointing overall achievements of the government. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, who is highlighted positively in the Foreign Office, is also viewed critically compared to Karin Kneissl. Despite all the reservations, it is emphasized that there should be no space for neo-Nazis in the government, but a better performance is required, such as oe24.at determined.

The discourse to use taxpayers also illuminates general grievances in the government. Since 2018, the Austrian government has spent almost 2 million euros on consulting services. Many orders were awarded to the same companies without a tender, often with connections to the ÖVP and the Greens. One example is Jürgen Beilein's agency, which received 22,000 euros for a tourism campaign during the Corona period. Projects for the stop corona app were also looked after by Accenture, which received over one million euros and operated on Ireland, where it only pays about 3.5 % taxes to profits. These aspects of the tax waste were processed by kontrast.at in detail.

overall, there are serious problems in coalition work, which are denounced both with regard to austerity policy and the use of public funds. Leading politicians in the coalition are required to find solutions as quickly as possible to regain the trust of the population.