Federal Council approves important amendments to the National Fund and ORF Act!

Federal Council approves important amendments to the National Fund and ORF Act!

On April 10, 2025, the Federal Council passed the amendments to the National Fund and ORF Act with a large majority. These regulations concern central aspects of the media landscape in Austria and the support of victims of National Socialism. The President of the National Council, Walter Rosenkranz, will in future act as Chairman of the National Fund's Board of Trustees, which will relieve him of direct responsibility.

The Main Committee of the National Council also has the opportunity to vote out Rosenkranz as chairman and to appoint a new chairman in the form of the Second President. These changes are part of an initiative that aims not only to ensure the National Fund's ability to act, but also to address the reservations of the Jewish community and victim protection associations towards Rosary. However, when voting on the amendments, the FPÖ was critical and described the regulations as “ideologically motivated legislation.” OTS.

Changes in the ORF law

In parallel with the developments at the National Fund, the ORF law is also being amended. The monthly ORF contribution will be frozen at 15.30 euros until the end of 2029. In addition, the number of trustees appointed by the government will be reduced from nine to six, which will give the public council more weight on the board. According to their supporters, these reforms should help reduce political influence on the ORF. However, both the FPÖ and the Greens expressed concerns and doubt that the changes will actually lead to more independence parliament.gv.at.

National Council President Rosenkranz is also criticized: Klara Neurauter from the ÖVP called on him to resign voluntarily, while Marco Schreuder from the Greens described his chairmanship as a “mockery” of the Nazi victims. Margit Göll from the ÖVP, on the other hand, emphasizes the responsibility of politics towards the victims of National Socialism. Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler explained the need to implement the requirements of the Constitutional Court in order to guarantee the independence of the ORF. The FPÖ and the Greens are also pushing for the abolition of the household tax, which is further fueling the public debate.

New composition of an important committee

As a result of the resolutions, Thomas Schmid was unanimously elected as a new member of the Standing Joint Committee of the Federal Council and the National Council. This committee has the task of deciding on new state taxes in disputes between the states and the federal government. The reforms in the composition of the ORF and the National Fund could have long-term effects on the political landscape and the financing of broadcasting in Austria.