Politicians argue about the future of the climate bonus – what does that mean for you?

Politicians argue about the future of the climate bonus – what does that mean for you?

In the midst of the tense budget situation, the Austrian government is discussing the climate bonus, which currently runs until spring 2025 with payments of 145 to 290 euros per person. But the financial targets are alarming: the Fiscal Council has determined that the budget deficit could rise to around 3.9 to 4.1 percent of GDP, requiring massive savings. This is what the renowned site reports Finanz.at that up to 4 billion euros were paid out too much. This raises the question of whether the climate bonus should be abolished in the future or at least reduced for higher earners.

Climate bonus against climate-damaging subsidies

The Greens, represented by Jakob Schwarz, are vehemently against the cancellation of the climate bonus and argue that it represents an essential repayment of CO2 tax revenue to the population. He emphasizes that savings should instead be made on environmentally harmful subsidies, in which a potential of over two billion euros has been identified, such as OTS.at reported. Schwarz sees such a strategy as a benefit for the climate and the state budget and calls for a responsible budget policy.

Current calculations also show that spending on the climate bonus from 2021 to 2025 will exceed CO2 tax revenue by 4.1 billion euros, calling the original concept of the bonus into question. Politicians are now faced with the decision of whether they should maintain the climate bonus in its current form or modify it. A decision on this matter is still pending, which is causing concern among many citizens who benefit from the bonus.