Governor in Leogang: Where is the journey for Austria going?

Governor in Leogang: Where is the journey for Austria going?

On Friday, June 6, 2025, there was an important conference of the governors and the federal government in the Hotel Krallerhof in Leogang, Salzburg. The aim was to determine the necessary savings plans for the Republic. The event was led by Wilfried Haslauer (ÖVP), the governor of Salzburg. Among other things, Christian Stocker (ÖVP), the Federal Chancellor, Andreas Babler (SPÖ), the Vice Chancellor, and Beate Meinl-Reisinger (Neos), were present. The press conference for the presentation of the results was scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and was transferred live by Vol.at, as [vienna.at] (https://www.vienna.at/landeshauptleuten-auf-auf-die-- governmentspitze-in-salzburg/9458765) reported.

The conference at the same time represented the starting signal for a comprehensive reform process. A central concern was a reform partnership between the federal government, the states and the association of the municipality. This should be recorded by law by a ministerial council decision and a joint declaration of intent. The time frame for the elaboration of specific measures is set until the first half of 2026. Initial results are to be presented in the coming months to support the budget consolidation by 2027, according to [Kurier.at] (https://kurier.at/phalk/bundes-foederalism-foederalism-salzburg- Landeschafts-kauplute- Conference/403047608).

relevant topics and measure areas

The conference focused on three main areas: the education sector, health care and the energy sector. In the field of education, a reorganization of the competencies between the federal and state governments is aimed at, while the health area aims to improve patient steering in the system. In the energy sector, faster approval processes and reduction in high network costs should ensure propulsion. In addition, the goal of de -bureaucratizing the administration was emphasized, supported by digitization and artificial intelligence. This is intended to help intercept the wave of retirement in the public service without losing proximity to the citizens.

experts warn of excessive expectations of reforms. The federalism expert Peter Bußjäger considers the desired reform fields necessary, but demands simplification and acceleration of existing procedures, especially in the case of environmental impact assessments and construction matters. Another topic was the unbundling of the skills in the electricity area to revitalize the economy. However, the discussion about the financial equalization and the stability pact was deliberately excluded, while the conference regulations focused on the reforms.

urgency and savings plans

The urgency of concrete progress was highlighted by Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP), the governor of Lower Austria. She referred to measures already implemented in her state. In parallel to the conference, the Federal Government, in particular the FPÖ and ÖVP, are working on comprehensive savings of 6.4 billion euros in order to avoid an EU deficit procedure, as orf.at. The savings focus on several areas, including:

Save
• administration: 1.1 billion euros, especially for ministries and government advertisements.
• Tax adjustments: Abolition of the zero tax rate for photovoltaic systems.
• savings in the health system: 320 million euros by adjusting health insurance contributions.
• Stricter application of the Candatory Act for additional income.

The measures aim not to put any additional burden on Austrians, but experts warn that a radical austerity course could endanger the economic situation.