Budget debate in the National Council: Family achievements ensure argument!

Budget debate in the National Council: Family achievements ensure argument!

On June 18, 2025, the National Council will begin the consultations on the budget preliminary estimate for the years 2025 and 2026, especially in the field of family and youth. The planned suspension of the valorization of family services is at the center of the discussion. This measure is sharply criticized by the FPÖ and the Greens, which emphasize the effects on families in times of high inflation. According to FPÖ MP Ricarda Berger, it is a "silent but cold reduction" that particularly disadvantages mothers and single parents. Berger argues that non-valorization could be a significant burden for many families, which suffers the quality of life of those affected.

Family Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) rejects these allegations and emphasizes that Austria is "European champion in family achievements in this country". As part of the budget for 2025, around 9 billion euros are planned for family and youth, which means an increase of 2.8 % compared to the previous year. For 2026, even 9.25 billion euros are sought, which corresponds to a further increase of 2.9 %. In 2025, the income was estimated at 8.96 billion euros and in 2026 at 9.48 billion euros. In addition, 188 million euros more for family allowance and 67 million euros are also provided for childcare allowance.

criticism and diversity of opinion

The opposition parties sharply criticize the government. The Greens accuse the government of saving families. Barbara Neßler, a mandatarin of the Greens, describes non-valorization as a "Mickey Mouse policy". Your concern is to demand concepts against child poverty that come to light through the cuts. The SPÖ also emphasizes that the budget does not include a real job cuts or cuts, but is only justified by the suspension of valorization. The discussion is accompanied by a strong desire for more support for modern family forms, which is required by Neos MP Gertraud Auinger Oberzaucher.

Another point of the debate is the upcoming changes in the calculation of family and social benefits. From January 2023, these are to be adapted to inflation annually, which could result in an expected increase in benefits of 4.6 % in 2024. Over 1.2 million families with 1.9 million children would benefit from this increase, which is a significant step to improve the financial situation of families. These adjustments come at a time when households have to fight with increasing living costs. Therefore, many votes in the National Council appeal to the federal government to focus on sustainable and fair support for families.

the course for the future

The coalition parties emphasize that the budget for families continues to increase despite the criticism and that people with small and medium -sized incomes are specifically supported. For the students: From 2026, an increase in the trip allowance will be promised from 2026. The budget 2025 and 2026 also includes the federal financial framework by 2028 and 2029, and the parliamentary consultations are to end with a final vote next Wednesday. The government makes it clear that despite the disputes about the valorization of family services, the overall strategy aims at the expansion of benefits in kind and support for families.

Overall, an exciting picture is emerging: the budget debate not only reflects the political differences, but also the challenges that many families in Austria have to master today. The upcoming decision -making days in the National Council could set the course for the future.

The government representatives and ministers emphasize that consideration for the family situation and the optimization of the services offered should have a top priority. A delicatessen that could ultimately influence the well -being of families is therefore in the hands of the MPs.