Taxpayers are in sight: Schettlitz attacks Schellhorn's luxury fare!

Taxpayers are in sight: Schettlitz attacks Schellhorn's luxury fare!

Wien, Österreich - FPÖ general secretary Michael Schledlitz practiced sharp criticism of Neos State Secretary Josef Schellhorn on May 18, 2025. The background of the dispute are the latest decisions by Schellhorn, which make up for the taxpayer due to their financial implications. Schellhorn announced that the Federal Creation Agency will select the company cars for ministers and state secretaries in the future, whereby only two models should be available. However, this decision is massively questioned, since Schellhorn himself noticed by acquiring a new Audi A8 shortly after taking office.

In the current discussion, it also becomes clear that Schellhorn made the purchase of the new company car despite an existing leasing contract for his old Audi A6. "The taxpayers pay for both vehicles," notes Schledlitz, describing the Situation as inappropriate, especially in times when the government announces austerity measures in other areas, such as the health and pension sector. "It is ridiculous and embarrassing for the taxpayers," he added, and criticized the responsibility that he compared with the transportation of a bank robber to the cashier. Schledlitz also promised that, in view of such scandals, the government cannot expect savings from the population, which indicates the responsibility of the state to serious and responsible financial policy.

criticism of dealing with tax funds

Schledlitz calls for specific measures against Schellhorn. He outlines three possible scenarios: a resignation of Schellhorn, a cancellation of the Audi A8 or a dismissal by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Stocker. In his opinion, these reactions would be a step in the right direction to address the dissatisfaction of the citizens in view of the waste of tax funds.

The critical view of the current issues of the government finds its equivalent in the greater context of Austria's financial situation. There is a comprehensive discussion about the federal budget in 2025 and the planned savings. The budget legislator has the option of making changes in parliamentary procedures, but the challenges are great. The discussion about the reform of the debt brake and the securing of financial resources have become particularly acute according to the judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court on the crisis loans and the use of special funds in financial policy. This could influence the government's negotiating position in relation to topics such as social benefits and public expenditure.

Citizens expect transparency and responsibility from the government. The public pressure on politicians to ensure household management and the adequate use of tax funds will not be decreased. The affair around Schellhorn is just another example in a chain of incidents that strain the trust of taxpayers into politics.

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