Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) remains against an EU deficit procedure despite the threat of worsening economic figures. "This still applies," he said to journalists on Friday. The currently planned savings requirement of 6.4 billion euros could therefore increase. However, Stocker hopes that defense expenditures might not fall under the Stability Pact. The first government retreat of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS on Tuesday revolves around the economy.

No Yes to Deficit Procedure

If indeed different, worse figures are received from the economic researchers' forecasts announced at the end of March, "we must of course discuss how we want to deal with it," Stocker explained at his inaugural press conference. He also emphasized that Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) made it clear on Thursday in "ZiB2" that a wealth or inheritance tax is not up for debate in this legislative period.

Asked whether, in the event of a case, more savings should be made or rather risk a deficit procedure, Stocker reminded that it was agreed to clearly avoid a deficit procedure - "this still applies."

Marterbauer stated on Thursday that the government would consult on how to handle new figures. If measures were taken, they should not further stifle the economy. Whether there could be an EU deficit procedure, the Finance Minister did not want to judge. That decision lies with the Commission.

The Federal Chancellor places hope in the European discussion that defense expenditures might not fall under the Stability Pact, either entirely or at least partially. This could also bring relief for Austria. However, this is "not yet set in stone," and much is still unclear.

Neutrality and Trade War

Despite the armament in Europe due to Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine, Stocker believes that a debate about Austrian neutrality "brings nothing": Even if neutrality were abolished in an instant, for which there is no majority, "our security situation would not have changed," Stocker pointed out. Rather, he assumes that the military will be equipped with two percent of GDP by 2032 as outlined in the government program, and by increasing defense capability in this sense, a contribution to the overall defense of Europe is made.

The Chancellor views the trade war between the USA and Europe with calm: The debate will calm down once the effects of tariff policy become known - he assumes that the USA also has no interest in this. Therefore, he would "keep a cool head and not dramatize too much."

Government Retreat on the Horizon

Next Tuesday, the three-party coalition will meet for a working retreat. Stocker announced that the focus will be on the economy. Accordingly, economic researchers Gabriel Felbermayr (WIFO) and Holger Bonin (IHS) are invited to the retreat. It is about coordinating the planning of economic policy, Stocker explained, as location and economic development are "major concerns" of the new government.

Another focus of the retreat is on a work plan for the coming weeks and months. They want structured cooperation, and each party should find itself in the implementation of the government program, Stocker reaffirmed.

Stocker accepts that some planned government measures, such as a headscarf ban for girls or a halt to family reunification in asylum cases, may not hold up legally. If, as a lawyer, he had only ever taken on a case when he was sure he would win, he would not have fulfilled the interests of his clients, Stocker drew a comparison. There are pressing issues for the population, and measures are necessary now.

Of course, there is the risk that one measure or another may be judged as non-compliant in a legal procedure - however, in such procedures, one often receives guidance on how to implement it legally, Stocker said. The law is not there to make problems unsolvable, but to come to solutions, Stocker stated.

The government wants to take a closer look at the energy market. Stocker argued the expiration of the energy price cap, among other things, by stating that financial resources "are not available forever." Instead of direct subsidies on energy costs, Stocker wants other measures to ensure that energy prices in the market do not endanger the location. "We will address this energy market very soon in this period," he promised.

"Mr. Chancellor" Not Yet Routine for Stocker

In general, the new Chancellor believes that the government has been "very active" since its inauguration, and they have "quickly moved into action and doing." He referred, for example, to the rent cap, an agreement to stop family reunification, and a relief package for small and medium-sized enterprises. He himself already feels settled in the Chancellery, although the address "Mr. Chancellor" is not yet routine for Stocker: "It doesn't thrill me, but it is still unusual."

Stocker wants to establish a basis for conversation with the FPÖ, with whom coalition talks have failed, for potential constitutional majorities in parliament. Above all, Stocker wants to address the concerns of FPÖ voters, as they have "very similar worries and needs" in daily life as others, the Chancellor was convinced.

FPÖ Criticizes Stocker

The FPÖ had no kind words for the Chancellor: "Stocker stands for pure stagnation and 'business as usual' - only worse," stated FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz in a press release. "The fact is: This 'loser traffic light' is only held together by the retention of power, greed for positions, and fear of the voters, the FPÖ, Herbert Kickl, and any positive change for the people."

(APA/Red)

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