Carinthia in the departure: New Year's reception relies on social security and progress!

Carinthia in the departure: New Year's reception relies on social security and progress!

Lakeside Science and Technology Park, Klagenfurt, Österreich - On January 10, 2025, the New Year's reception of the Carinthian Renner Institute took place in Klagenfurt. Around 400 guests gathered in the Lakeside Science and Technology Park to exchange ideas about the political and social challenges of the year. LHStv.in Gaby Schaunig and Labg. Luca Burgstaller presented the main focus, while Markus Marterbauer, chief economist of the Federal Chamber of Labor, addressed the economic fears and solutions. Especially in the first few days after the new Carinthian residential allowance came into force, the use rose sharply and could relieve up to 40,000 households, as Schaunig reported. The government also plans to introduce a nationwide social tariff for electricity, especially for the 28,000 households in Carinthia, which are freed from the ORF contribution, and repeats the demand for a uniform network tariff in all of Austria.

investments and challenges

as ktn.gv.at reported, Schaunig presented the draft for the state input 2025 in the Carinthian state parliament. With a volume of 3.73 billion euros, the government plans to invest in education, health, care and social security, but at the same time also savings and structural changes. The budget will be improved by 215.8 million euros, but for 2026 to 2028, cumulative spending cuts of over 1 billion euros are planned. The review of funding should help to exploit savings potential, whereas major projects, such as the renovation of government buildings, are postponed.

In the middle of the economic pressure, Marterbauer emphasized the need for a factual dialogue for coping with crisis. With the economic uncertainty, high inflation rates and impending recession, close cooperation is required. The responsibility to cope with the current challenges and guarantee social security is central to the future stability of the country. The focus on social stability and infrastructure is consistently pursued to keep Carinthia future -proof despite financial bottlenecks.