"Future is at Risk": Kogler Cannot Comprehend the Government's Austerity Measures
For club leader Werner Kogler, the planned measures regarding family benefits are going "exactly in the wrong direction," as he criticized in a press conference on Thursday. The measures are also "anti-business and harmful to the economy."
Kogler: One must "save in the right places"
Even the third government party, the NEOS, Kogler finds no longer credible, as they have always spoken out against new burdens. Fundamentally, Kogler defended the path of the federal government: "We want to save, we should save, we must save." However, this must happen in the "right places," such as with those "who can bear more burdens." The current approaches, on the other hand, are "tending in the wrong direction."
Especially the elimination of the climate bonus - a measure pushed by the Greens - was criticized by Kogler, who would not mind a staggered approach. Cuts in electromobility and other climate protection measures are also not right. In this area, it is also about orders in future-oriented industries, where order losses are now threatening. "The future is at risk," criticized the club leader of the Greens, who now sees value creation and jobs at risk.
Criticism of the government's planless cuts
Kogler also reminded the three governing parties of their political principles, which would be partly broken with the planned cuts. For instance, the SPÖ never implemented the automatic valorization of social benefits - unlike the Greens. "But what they achieve is that it is abolished again." A wealth tax, always demanded by the Social Democrats, is not an issue. Kogler also held the "family party" ÖVP accountable, as well as the NEOS, who had actually spoken out against further taxes.
"For us, it is clear that consolidation is necessary," emphasized the Green's budget spokesperson, Jakob Schwarz - "we also know that it is a challenge." There are many ways to save sensibly. However, the opposite is currently happening: "The government is cutting aimlessly and heartlessly." He also wonders, "where the Social Democrats are actually hiding." With the digital tax, "one of the better measures," a retreat has been made.
Savings Potential in Road Construction
Schwarz, on the other hand, sees possible savings potential in road construction projects and the commuter allowance, which is now supposed to be increased despite the need for consolidation. "We have the money for that. On the other hand, cuts are made to those who need the money most urgently," Schwarz also criticized.
Kogler, in turn, defended his party's role in the former government despite the now disastrous budget. They had intercepted a lot of additional expenses: "Others drive the cart into the dirt. We pulled it out," he recalled efforts to become independent from Russian gas.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.