Federal Chancellor Stocker in ORF Summer Talk for Pension Increase Under 2.7 Percent

"It would be a right signal to conclude below 2.7 percent," said Chancellor Stocker in the ORF summer interview. The ÖVP leader even hinted at a desire to go lower: "Two percent would be the target value."

Stocker in ORF Summer Interview: "Everything below 2.7 percent helps"

At the same time, Stocker emphasized that he does not know if his two percent target for pensions is achievable. "But everything below 2.7 percent helps." "This is something that needs to be negotiated," said Stocker. The economic rates and the inflation rate are "not satisfactory." He indicated that a concerted effort from everyone is needed.

Asked whether reopening the agreed increase in civil servant salaries from last year would be conceivable, Stocker said this would only be possible by mutual agreement: "We have a legal situation. I have always respected that." If there is a willingness to talk, he would gladly engage in these discussions. "Because I believe that here too, a signal, a nice sign of this joint effort in these difficult times, would be that we all contribute to actually bringing about the upswing ourselves."

Inflation Control a "Priority Goal" for Stocker

Regarding the high inflation, Stocker said that measures will be taken at the two-day government retreat on Tuesday and Wednesday. He referred to his "Formula 2-1-0": "I have set a two percent target inflation for next year with this formula. Therefore, there will naturally be something. Combating inflation is the priority goal."

For food prices, Stocker wants to combat the "Austria surcharge" - the delivery restriction for small countries. "I will therefore do everything at the European level to ensure that this is banned very soon, and if it is necessary and needs to be achieved earlier, also examine national possibilities." Nationally, federal fees could be increased by a maximum of two percent next year.

Stocker Wants to Stimulate the Economy and Promote Investments

Stocker is also very concerned about measures regarding energy costs, which are relevant both for reducing inflation and for stimulating the economy. He also addressed the number "1" in his "formula" - it is about bringing economic growth to one percent. To this end, one billion euros should be made available for the economy, and appropriate measures should be initiated at the government retreat, for example through reallocations. Investment incentives are needed, for instance through the investment allowance, "which we want to increase from 10 to 20 percent."

In the energy sector, the ÖVP leader wants to mobilize private capital for network expansion on one hand, and on the other, the goal is to streamline the structure of the network company. Here, the chancellor is particularly focused on the many network providers owned by the state. There are 114 network companies in Austria, 80 of which are publicly owned. He is considering a "generous downsizing." "I can imagine that this can be very extensive and thus also create synergies."

Stocker Rejects Medvedev's Threat

There was a rather clear rejection - as previously from Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) - regarding the statements of former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who threatened Austria with military force in the event of a NATO accession. "We will neither be threatened nor provoked," said Stocker. Austria is a neutral country, that is beyond question, a NATO accession is "not an issue at all." In this light, the threat surprised him.

"But it shows one thing: We are at risk. And our democracy is being attacked. With its institutions, with its society. This comes from partly state-controlled organizations, partly beyond that," said Stocker. "Democracies fall when they are no longer defended by democrats. And I have the firm will and intention to defend our democracy as best as possible. In every respect," he also referred to the number "0" in his formula - and also to his targeted strict course on the migration issue. There is "no tolerance for those who endanger democracy."

Stocker Cautious About Government Negotiations with Kickl

They will also be able to pass a headscarf ban in accordance with the constitution, and with the mandatory integration program, they have "set a sign that those who receive benefits from us should also contribute," said Stocker. He also addressed the goal of standardizing social assistance, with his aim being a tiered system for child allowances, he emphasized.

When asked if he could imagine future government negotiations with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, Stocker was cautious: "I believe that this may become unnecessary in the future. But not because I will not conduct the negotiations." Kickl "once had the chance to be chancellor." "He decided for himself not to want it," he acknowledged. "At the moment, I also see no ambition for it to be different."

531,000 Interested Viewers Watched ORF Summer Talk with Stocker

On average, 531,000 people (provisional weighting) watched the ORF summer talk with Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) on ORF 2. According to an ORF release, this corresponds to a market share of 23 percent. The analysis in "ZIB 2" reached up to 613,000 politically interested viewers. At the ORF summer talk with Vice Chancellor and SPÖ leader Andreas Babler last Monday, an average of 456,000 were present. The last ORF summer talk will be conducted by ORF domestic politics chief Klaus Webhofer on September 8 (9 PM, ORF 2) with Herbert Kickl (FPÖ).

(APA/Red)

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