Coalition Negotiations Continue at Various Levels
The budget group is central to this, but discussions will also continue on so-called "lighthouse projects", as it was said from the parties. If necessary, the party leaders would be consulted. The NEOS met on Saturday for an extended party executive committee.
This was a routine meeting to inform about the status of the negotiations. It was assured that it was by no means a crisis meeting or a decisive session. There will be no public information afterwards.
Agreement Topic
The Pinks will certainly discuss the agreement reached the day before. After almost nine hours of negotiations, the parties had agreed to stretch the budget consolidation over seven years. Any "lighthouse projects" should also be labelled with a price tag and included in the budget planning. In addition, the parties agreed on a double budget for 2025 and 2026.
There was nothing more concrete to report for the time being. For example, it was not possible to agree on whether the consolidation should take place within the framework of an EU deficit procedure or completely independently. The SPÖ favours the variant with the procedure, because the consolidation path is initially gentler here, which would bring more leeway. The NEOS, on the other hand, insist on a variant without EU involvement. The ÖVP is likely to be somewhat more flexible here than the potential liberal partner.
3.9 instead of 6.3 billion
The difference, whether one chooses a procedure or not, is especially significant in the first year. With the procedure, only 3.9 billion would have to be saved in 2025, without it, however, a full 6.3 billion. At the end of the seven years, one would be at a similar level - with the procedure one would be at 18.4 billion, without at 18.1 billion.
The talks are now continuing at several levels and in different constellations. There was no fixed date for the so-called steering group for the time being. If necessary, however, the party leaders would get involved, it was said.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.