Zero Wage Round for Politicians in Lower Austria Confirmed
Accordingly, members of the state parliament will receive 4.6 percent from July of next year, and mayors will receive an average of 3.5 percent more from the beginning of 2025. The resolution will be passed in the session of the state parliament next Thursday. Oe24.at reported first.
Moderate Inflation Adjustment for Mayors
"The adjustment of politicians' salaries below the legally prescribed adjustment factor is a sign of thrift and solidarity with all compatriots who are currently going through hard times. Economic crisis and historic flood disaster have hit many Lower Austrians hard," emphasized State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) in a press release. "In times of unprecedented challenges, we politicians save on ourselves. We are thus following the example of the federal government."
However, it is important to her, Mikl-Leitner said, "that our mayors receive a moderate inflation adjustment - also with the support of the Freedom Party. This is a recognition of the achievements of the city and town chiefs, who often work seven days a week for the citizens and ensure childcare and public services in the municipalities."
Zero Wage Round for Politicians: FPÖ Sees Sign of Solidarity
"I am firmly convinced that the full zero wage round for top politicians is the cleanest and most orderly way," said Deputy Governor Udo Landbauer (FPÖ). "Especially in times of price explosion and economic imbalance, where many families are struggling with rising costs and suffering from inflation, this is an honest sign of solidarity - namely to save on one's own income and ensure a full zero wage round." Anything else would be "a wrong signal and not compatible with our conscience" in times like these, Landbauer said. The work for Lower Austria continues at full speed even with a zero wage round, he added.
Lower Austria's SPÖ state party leader Sven Hergovich saw the zero wage round for the state government as a "step in the right direction": "It is very pleasing that our pressure is now having an effect and that the salary increase will be waived this year," the state councillor stated in a press release. However, the Social Democrats also demanded a complete withdrawal of the recently decided adjustment for the state government, which increased salaries by 9.7 percent from July.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.