Vorarlberg is fighting with 148.5 million euros in deficit - a budget dilemma!
Vorarlberg is fighting with 148.5 million euros in deficit - a budget dilemma!
Vorarlberg, Österreich - Vorarlberg completed the budget year 2024 with a considerable minus in the financing budget of 242.9 million euros. The shortfall in the earnings budget was 148.5 million euros and is therefore in the forecast area. Governor Markus Wallner (ÖVP) informed on June 3, 2025 about the current budget in Vorarlberg.
The country's debt was 449.9 million euros at the end of 2024, which represents a reduction of about one million euros compared to the previous year. For comparison: Before Corona pandemic, the debt was only 110.4 million euros. Wallner spoke of a "sharp headwind" due to stagnating income and increased expenses, which also put on the budget situation.
investments and expenses
The Budget Volume of Vorarlberg in the 2024 financing budget was 2.4 billion euros. Over 70 % of these funds flowed into the areas of education, social affairs, health and housing subsidies. However, around 85 million euros more were issued than originally estimated, especially for municipalities, electricity costs and housing subsidies.
The investments remained at the level of previous years at 92.5 million euros. Even if Wallner emphasizes the need for an economic upswing and structural policy measures in the health and social area, a rethink is required in the current situation, in particular with regard to the residential development guidelines, since these were used more than expected in 2024.
outlook for 2025
For the budget 2025, 200 million euros are planned for new loans. However, Wallner remains up to the actual money requirement and possible interest reductions by the European Central Bank (ECB). Currently there are still 95 million euros in reserves, but their use is still unclear.
State assistant Christof Bitschi (FPÖ) supports Wallner's consolidation efforts and emphasizes the tense budget situation. In this context, the public debt is also relevant, which according to the Maastricht criteria must not exceed 60 % of gross domestic product (GDP). The data for this debt level are calculated by Statistics Austria
The invoice will be presented to the Vorarlberg state parliament for resolution on July 2. The situation continues to need attention and strategic planning to adequately cope with the financial challenges.
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