Outrage over FPÖ plans: church contributions in danger!

Outrage over FPÖ plans: church contributions in danger!

In a sensational step, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) announced as part of coalition negotiations with the ÖVP that it would abolish the tax deductibility of church contributions and donations to non-profit organizations. Representatives of the Catholic Church are outraged by this. Peter Schipka, general secretary of the Bishops' Conference, described the plans as a "completely unsuitable means" of budget consolidation. According to the FPÖ, this measure could relieve the state treasury of 55 million euros in donations and a further 60 million euros by eliminating the property tax exemption for churches and religious communities. Shipka, on the other hand, emphasizes that such a deletion would ultimately place more burden on the state, as the services of these organizations are of enormous importance to society Kathpress reported.

The general director of Caritas, Anna Parr, sees the FPÖ demands as a “massive attack” on the entire non-profit sector, which threatens the financing of numerous aid organizations. Caritas in particular would be in trouble if donations and church contributions were to be deducted, as many of its project funds are based on these contributions. Finally, the Secretary General of the Austrian Religious Conference also says that the abolition of the property tax exemption would be significantly harmful for around 830 monasteries and religious communities, as they not only fulfill social but also cultural tasks. Despite the FPÖ's support for the previous non-profit reform, which was intended to strengthen voluntary work, this could now be put to the test. The property tax exemption applies to facilities that serve the public good, including churches, cemeteries and much more, such as dasfinanzen.de explained.

Some organizations are already calling for the tax advantages for charitable activities to be maintained in order not to jeopardize the essential work being done in Austria. The planned changes could not only severely impact the churches and their projects, but also question the entire structure of the social infrastructure. Especially at a time when supporting non-profit organizations is more important than ever, the FPÖ's initiative appears more than questionable.