SPÖ boss Babler provides clear conditions for coalition negotiations!

SPÖ boss Babler provides clear conditions for coalition negotiations!

In the middle of heated coalition negotiations, the SPÖ, chaired by Andreas Babler, dared to take a surprising move. In an official broadcast, the party demands a contribution to budget consolidation from the wealthy citizens who have benefited from state advantages over the past few years. The concept of "wealth tax" remains unspoken, but the message is clear: Without such a measure that is considered the basic pillar of their government participation for the Social Democrats, they are not willing to compromise. This claim comes at a time when the country's financial challenges are more pressing than ever, as the SPÖ emphasizes, while around 15 billion euros have to be saved by 2028. This reports Oe24.at

The reaction of Chancellor Karl Nehammer was promptly and uncompromisingly. In a clear statement, he vehemently contradicts the introduction of new taxes: "With me and the People's Party there will be no wealth or inheritance taxes. They would be the wrong signal and would endanger prosperity and jobs." He calls on to think about expenses first before thinking of new sources of income. These hard words express the position of the ÖVP clearly: If the Social Democrats stick to their demand, this could quickly make the coalition talks fail. Already during the election campaign, both the ÖVP and the NEOs had made it clear that they were not available for new taxes, such as Today.at

BABER affirms that the SPÖ does not need it to rule at all costs. The demand for a fair distribution will be decisive in the negotiations. It is about not only operating the interests of the rich, but also focusing on the needs of those who suffer from inflation and increasing living costs. In order to achieve this, the SPÖ requires to strengthen social measures and relief for the citizens in the form of falling heating and housing costs, while a “revival of the local cores” is sought at the same time.