After the End of Coalition Negotiations: Speed in Budget Urged

In the savings list submitted to Brussels by FPÖ and ÖVP, there were areas where it was important to quickly create legal foundations, according to Felbermayr. Otherwise, measures such as the VAT exemption for PV systems or educational leave would simply continue and incur corresponding costs, which would then have to be recouped.

"Must Go Quickly Now"

He hopes that the budget paper submitted to the EU Commission is not just a formality - even if, for example, the SPÖ did not like it. "But we don't have time to think about what can be done for weeks or months again." Points have emerged from the three-party coalition negotiations as well as from the blue-black talks that can be built upon, said the Wifo chief. Of course, improvements can be made here and there to accommodate new partners. However, one must not think too long about the first necessary steps. "It must go quickly now."

The debt ceiling mentioned by Fiscal Council President Christoph Badelt is seen by Felbermayr more as a "theoretical problem". Until a new budget is passed, an automatic provisional arrangement applies, through which the "old" budget is simply continued. However, the state may not take on more than half of the debt that was allowed in the previous year. Since a large federal bond is due in April, this limit could already be reached, Felbermayr said. However, a legal budget provisional arrangement could probably be achieved, through which the ceiling would fall. This does not require a two-thirds majority.

Higher Unemployment

In all budget matters, it also plays a role that the economic conditions have recently deteriorated. The gas price on the spot markets has increased, and the electricity price is still linked to the gas price. In addition, there is the "emergency" of the industry and rising unemployment.

(APA/Red)

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