Government savings plans: higher fees and fewer environmental funding!

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On January 16, 2025, FPÖ and ÖVP announced drastic austerity measures, including higher fees and deletions of environmental funding.

Government savings plans: higher fees and fewer environmental funding!

At a explosive press conference, the FPÖ and the People's Party (ÖVP) announced the drastic austerity measures that are discussed as part of the coalition negotiations. FPÖ finance spokesman Hubert Fuchs and ÖVP club chairman August Wöginger informed about far-reaching cuts that will particularly affect young people and environmental funding. The climate bonus is to be completely deleted, while the educational leave is also abolished, which is likely to encounter resistance in many active and prospective professionals, as it is orf.at is to be read.

Another central topic is the increased costs due to the valorization of the federal fees that have not been adjusted since 2020. Accordingly, fees for admission notes and driver's licenses become considerably more expensive, which will also put a strain on drivers and motorcycle owners. For owners of motorcycles, the mileage money is even to be halved, while it is shortened by a quarter for bicycles. Environmental protection measures are also affected because environmental funding is to be reduced by 20 percent. The free climate is abolished for 18-year-olds, but remains for other age groups, such as vienna.at reported.

These austerity measures already encounter sharp criticism, especially among young people and environmental activists. The departure of previous tax advantages for electric cars also creates displeasure. The coalition partners seem to be determined to enforce a strict austerity policy without adequately discussing the immediate consequences for the population. Now it remains to be seen how these decisions will affect the future political landscape in Austria.