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Major reforms in the government program: what lies ahead?
On February 27, 2025, the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS will present their government program. Ministerial positions and tightening of asylum regulations are up for debate.
Major reforms in the government program: what lies ahead?
In Austria, the traffic light parties ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS are facing a crucial week! The coalition plans to present its highly anticipated government program on Thursday, as oe24 reports. The first details about the measures have already leaked and shed exciting light on the upcoming changes.
A central issue will be asylum policy, which is expected to undergo drastic changes. A suspension of family reunification is being examined, and the creation of return centers for rejected asylum seekers is on the agenda. These are intended to prevent those affected from “going underground”. There is also discussion about making it easier to revoke asylum status in the future, and an obligation to integrate “from day one” could be introduced, including German courses and the teaching of values. Anyone who ignores these requirements must expect sanctions. Further plans concern the education system, in which cell phones will no longer be allowed in schools, with some exceptions.
Ministerial posts and intra-party controversies
The nomination of the ministerial posts remains uncertain until clarification within the party. There are particular tensions in the SPÖ between Andrea Babler and Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig, especially regarding the appointment of the Finance Ministry, as the NOEN news reports. An important point in the government program is the increase in the AMS budget by 230 million euros to combat unemployment. Planned tax relief, such as the return of tax-free employee bonuses and the abolition of the standard consumption tax for small vans, are also on the agenda.
The new government could be sworn in as early as Monday, provided the internal party committees give the green light. The NEOS in particular may have to overcome a challenge as their general meeting on Sunday requires a two-thirds majority to approve the coalition agreement. The political negotiations in Austria could lead to a significant realignment of the government in the coming days.