End of Double Budgets in Vienna Possible

"I believe it was good that we decided on this double budget," Peter Hanke stated during the question time in the Vienna City Council. In an uncertain economic period, it can be sensible to plan over a period of two years. Even before the current forecast, Vienna approved a double budget for 2022 and 2023. Hanke also pointed out other federal states where two-year budgets exist.

Opposition Sees Advantages in Ending Double Budgets in Vienna

The opposition expressed skepticism in view of overrun requests in the finance committee, questioning whether the current practice is sensible. ÖVP finance spokesman Manfred Juraczka found that a double budget makes it more difficult to respond to current challenges. The risk of a "blind flight" is greater. The necessary high budget adjustments could no longer be discussed due to the absence of the budget debate in the plenary. Green representative Martin Margulies warned that the operating deficit would amount to 3.8 billion euros for 2025 instead of the last expected 2.3 billion euros. "This is de facto the Vienna gap for the federal budget." If Vienna did not have this deficit, it would also look different at the federal level, he said. FPÖ city councillor Udo Guggenbichler also saw a "loss of transparency" due to the missing budget debate. Hanke countered with reference to "difficulties" that the city would be caused by the federal government: "If we did not have such a high minus in federal revenue shares, then we would have an easier situation."

(APA/red)

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