Ampel coalition on the crossroads: Budget crisis stalls negotiations!

Ampel coalition on the crossroads: Budget crisis stalls negotiations!

Palais Epstein, Österreich - The nerve-wracking government negotiations between the ÖVP, the SPÖ and the NEOS are stuck, but the "Austro-Stampel" was at least a first break. After several weeks of intensive discussions, the party leader succeeded in developing a consensus on a seven -year consolidation path on Friday in the Palais Epstein. The required double budget for the next two years was also placed on the negotiating table, as . It was emphasized that the first savings in the coming year should be reduced drastically, while there are still uncertainties on the possible effects on state finances. The state treasury shows a hole of up to 24 billion euros, which makes negotiations even more difficult.

The negotiations that last far more than four weeks focus in particular on controversial budget questions. The pressure is great here: the SPÖ calls for an increase in income through higher contributions from wealthy, while the ÖVP and the NEOS reject tax measures. The latter want to reach an agreement on the so-called "lighthouse projects", which represented the essential focus of the government meetings, such as Exxpress . The negotiator of the NEOS emphasized that everyone was interested in a solution and that one is now "not to get ahead".

Although an impending crisis could be averted, the situation remains tense. The main actors, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Beate Meinl-Reisinger (Neos), are under pressure to reach an agreement that should secure the level of prosperity in Austria. The next negotiation date is still open, but according to the information from continued to the government until December 23, while in the meantime the citizens hope for financial stability.