National Council approves Doppert budget: deficit of over 18 billion €!

National Council approves Doppert budget: deficit of over 18 billion €!

Wien, Österreich - The Budget Committee of the National Council approved the double budget for the years 2025 and 2026 on June 11, 2025. After six -day consultations, the Federal Finance Act and the medium -term federal financial framework were prepared for the plenum in a slightly adapted form. The essential key data of the budget designs remain unchanged, which is thanks to unanimous consent of ÖVP, SPÖ and Neos. The upcoming three plenary consultations are planned for June 16 to 18, within the framework of which the budget accompanying law and additional laws are discussed. The debate about the double budget begins today.

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) presented the plans that provide a deficit of over 18 billion euros for both years. In particular, consolidation measures of 6.4 billion euros for 2025 and 8.7 billion euros were announced for 2026. Nevertheless, experts warned that challenges such as a weak economy and rising interest expenses will make it difficult to return the deficit. The persistent expenditure increases for pensions and care also contribute to financial burden.

Details of budget planning

For 2025, income of 105.1 billion euros and expenditure of 123.2 billion euros is planned, which leads to a deficit of 18.1 billion euros. In 2026, an income volume of 107.6 billion euros will be set, while expenditure is 125.9 billion euros, which results in a minus of 18.3 billion euros. The total state deficit will be 4.5 % in 2025 and in 2026 at 4.2 % of GDP, which is above the Maastricht limit of 3 %. In addition, it is expected that the debt rate will increase from 84.7 % in 2025 to 87 % in 2028.

Criticism of the budget designs comes in particular from the opposition parties, including the Greens and the FPÖ, which are already signaling that they have little praise for the draft presented. Over 1801 written budget requests were submitted during the consultations, which indicates a strong interest and concerns of the parliamentary representatives.

accompanying laws and measures to reduce deficit

The budget accompanying law provides, among other things, the abolition of the climate monus and freeze family allowance. In addition, relief planned for the population, including sales tax exemptions for women's hygiene items and contraceptives, as well as the reintroduction of the Nova exemption for certain vehicles. A total of 76 laws are to be amended and a new law adopted that adapts the regulations and introduces new regulations.