Drastic cuts in the social fund: SPÖ warns of episodes for weakest!

Drastic cuts in the social fund: SPÖ warns of episodes for weakest!

Vorarlberg, Österreich - On April 18, 2025, the Vorarlberg SPÖ said that the planned cuts in the social fund will have significant negative effects on the weakest members of society. State Councilor Martina Rüscher attributes these savings to the tense financial situation of the federal government, the state and communities, which has intensified as a result of past crises, such as the Corona pandemic, the war in Ukraine and general inflation. According to Rüscher, the goal of the new adjustment of the allocation is efficient use of the funds in the sense of taxpayers and securing central offers.

The costs in the social sector have risen by 30% since 2019, from 267 million euros to around 370 million euros. The entire output level in the social sector is currently around 550 million euros. It turns out that only 92 to 94% of the requested budget were approved in the area of ​​equal opportunities. Of the planned 110.4 million euros, only around 105 million euros were released, which is criticized by the SPÖ as a drastic reduction. The social spokeswoman Manuela Auer emphasizes that people with disabilities are particularly affected by these cuts.

collaboration with providers

In order to meet the challenges, savings options should be checked together with the social providers. This includes potential measures such as reserves, structural adjustments and shifting of the funds. In addition, a long -term realignment of the social fund is sought, which also takes into account the need for skilled workers. A comprehensive structure process in cooperation with the municipal association is already underway, with the aim of analyzing the effect of the services provided, avoiding double structures and clarifying responsibilities

The background for these financial measures is not only locally, but also reflects current challenges that are discussed in international contexts. Social security is considered a human right, which is anchored in Article 22 of the General Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. Also in the 2030 agenda there are numerous obligations to strengthen social security systems that are considered crucial in the fight against poverty and individual life risks.

international perspective

According to the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, social security systems are successful in the fight against poverty and hunger and reduce the number of people in extreme poverty all over the world. Stable social security systems can also reduce the susceptibility of countries for violence and social unrest. The adaptability of these systems is particularly important to be able to cope with collective risks such as natural disasters, pandemics or economic crises and thus supports resilient companies in times of crisis.