Quotes for Older Workers? This is What Schellhorn Says

NEOS Deregulation State Secretary Josef Schellhorn cannot support the proposal by SPÖ Social Minister Korinna Schumann to introduce quotas for older workers. "This is not effective. It was not coordinated with us. It is not our style to communicate such things through the media," criticized Schellhorn in an APA interview on the sidelines of an event in Innsbruck. There was also criticism for the federal states: "They are not ready for reform."

No Approval from NEOS

The Social Minister had "an idea" that the NEOS would certainly not agree with. "That would also bring more bureaucracy," argued Schellhorn. They take the media proposal "as it is." The NEOS would act differently and try to "coordinate" such things within the government beforehand, the State Secretary clearly criticized. In terms of content, Schellhorn stated that "in general, complete incentives" must be created so that people could work longer or be employed longer: Measures are needed "especially in the context of tax legislation and progression." A "comprehensive package" is needed, which must especially include a reduction in the cost factor of labor.

On Sunday, Schumann brought up a quota regulation on the ORF "Pressestunde" to keep people over 60 longer in the workforce. Specifically, benefits for employers from the Family Burden Equalization Fund (FLAF) could be tied to a quota. The SPÖ Minister could also imagine a "hiring bonus."

"They Are Not Ready for Reform"

A subsequent panel discussion of the "Tiroler Adler Runde," a cross-industry association of influential Tyrolean entrepreneurs, at the BTV City Forum in Innsbruck on Tuesday evening was also used by the former Salzburg restaurateur Schellhorn to reprimand the political leaders in the federal states. In view of their, as he identified, lack of readiness for reform, he sometimes almost wished "that the Troika (informal control group in the event of a sovereign debt crisis, note) would come and take charge." Because then the "states would have been disempowered," explained Schellhorn, apparently meant jokingly.

He is by no means in favor of abolishing federalism, but a "structural reform" is needed, which must consist of a "federalism reform and a 'subsidy reform'." The NEOS State Secretary also advocated for "more competition" between the federal states, which would ultimately lead to more efficiency, and suggested a "tax competition." Furthermore, a "prohibition of accumulation," meaning a "ban on double and triple subsidies," is needed - this alone would bring almost four billion euros to the budget.

By the way, a small reprimand was also given to the social partners. They are "sometimes still not in the 20th century" when it comes to the working world. A transfer "into the 21st century" would be important here. Schellhorn also once again criticized the former turquoise-green government, which stood for "whatever it takes." The current three-party coalition has already "repaired": "Now we are reforming."

Schellhorn Sees Debureaucratization Measures on Track

The first debureaucratization measures he announced in the summer for the fall were seen by the Secretary of State for Deregulation as on track. This timeline remains. They will first go into coalition "coordination." This will then result in a "cabinet presentation" and a corresponding resolution. "There will be a very large list," Schellhorn announced to the APA. This will include, for example, (commercial law) simplifications for businesses, the elimination of regulations, amendments, "approval issues," and "harmonizations between the states." This will set a "big, clear signal" - for the business location and thus also for the citizens and employees. They would "serve all areas." At the end of July, Schellhorn mentioned the Waste Management Act, the Trade Regulation Act, the agricultural and environmental sectors, as well as payroll accounting.

In the discussion at the "9th Tyrolean Eagle Forum," in which Schellhorn participated, the main question was whether the reforms and policies of the ultra-liberal Argentine President Javier Milei could also be a model for Austria. "Does Austria need the chainsaw?" was the catchy title. While Schellhorn did not see Austria's situation as comparable to Argentina's, the German economist and university lecturer Philipp Bagus, who teaches at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid and claims to be friendly with Milei, strongly supported him. Milei has "achieved the Argentine miracle," already turning key economic data positive and "giving freedom back to the Argentinians." "Less state, more freedom" - that must also be the motto for Austria. All those who stand for market-economy, bourgeois-capitalist values must accept and successfully lead the "cultural struggle" raised by the left.

Political scientist Natascha Strobl strongly disagreed. She saw a disenchantment with Milei and cited, among other things, the announced financial aid from the USA.

"The Cart is on Fire"

The "Eagle Round" leadership once again pushed for debureaucratization measures in Tyrol and at the federal level on Tuesday. "Efficiency, debureaucratization, and deregulation," urged "Eagle Round" President and CEO of Handl Tyrol, Karl Christian Handl. "Bureaucracy and regulatory frenzy" have led to a "growth brake." "The cart is on fire. But the fire department is in the garage. The time for hesitation must be over," Handl appealed to the politicians.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.