Government Program: Social Partners and NGOs with Mixed Reactions

The government program of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS meets with a mixed response from the social partners. Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) mostly reacted positively to the program presented on Thursday. Trade Union Federation President Wolfgang Katzian (SPÖ) sees an important "step in the right direction" made. The Chamber of Labor (AK) is cautious but recognizes "light and shadow" in the program presented on Thursday.

"Step in the Right Direction", "Light and Shadow"

"There are incentives for top performers, more freedom for entrepreneurship, and relief with prudence," said Renate Scheichelbauer-Schuster, chairwoman of the trade and crafts division in the WKÖ, for example. The Young Economy and tourism representatives of the WKÖ also praised the program. The bank levy was viewed critically.

On the union side, the red ÖGB President Wolfgang Katzian sees an important "step in the right direction" made. "The planned economic stimulus package will create jobs, providing the security that employees and companies need now," he says in a statement from the Trade Union Federation.

The Chamber of Labor is more cautious. The announcements on the "bank levy and the extension of the windfall tax for energy suppliers" are viewed positively. AK experts will analyze the approximately 200-page document in the coming days. AK President Renate Anderl again advocated for a millionaire's tax, which is not provided for in the government plan.

The production union (PRO-GE) also welcomes the agreement reached and highlighted the fight against inflation. The GPA union is pleased about more money for the Public Employment Service AMS. "The fight against unemployment must be a focus of politics in the coming years. The government program is encouraging in this regard," says GPA Chairwoman Barbara Teiber.

"This economic program is a clear signal for the small and medium-sized enterprises in our country," rejoices the Secretary-General of the ÖVP Economic Association, Kurt Egger, in a statement. With the government program, "top performers are relieved."

"Positive Trends" and "Bitter Pills" Identified

The Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) sees "initial positive trends." "Unfortunately, the measures in the areas of energy and ancillary wage costs remain vague so far. Further specification will be needed in the course," says IV President Georg Knill.

For Retail Association Managing Director Rainer Will, the document reads "promising." Will wishes for a rapid implementation of the plans. "A bitter pill is the long dry spell until 2027 for ancillary wage costs due to lack of budgetary leeway." According to the program, these should be reduced by the middle of the government period.

"Many items, little change," summarizes Agenda Austria Director Franz Schellhorn, the program with little praise. The economist is the brother of the future State Secretary for Deregulation, Josef Schellhorn (NEOS). "The SPÖ generously refrains from new taxes, in return, ÖVP and NEOS spare the bloated state apparatus from long-overdue cuts. A deal that plays into the parties' hands but does not help the country," judges the director of the economically liberal think tank.

Appeals and Criticism Following Presentation of Government Program

After the presentation of the government program by ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, various organizations have addressed the future federal government with criticism and appeals. Especially in the area of care and support, organizations like Volkshilfe and the Samaritan Association are demanding clarity and future viability. Caritas identifies uncertainties in the financing of the coalition's plans.

Caritas Secretary General Anna Parr expressed "relief" over the formation of the federal government in a statement. In the area of care and support, there is a fundamental understanding of the challenges; there are also positive signals in the areas of poverty reduction, migration and integration, and international cooperation. "Currently, it remains open how the long-term financing of all these measures will be ensured," said Parr. The suspension of family reunification was criticized by the Vienna Caritas Director Klaus Schwertner. "Family reunifications have a proven integration-promoting effect," explained Schwertner. From his perspective, this plan is hardly feasible legally.

Erich Fenninger, Director of Volkshilfe, also expressed his pleasure in a statement about the formation of the government and the agreement on a basic child security. In the area of care and support, more details and the involvement of all relevant stakeholders are needed, demanded Fenninger. It also remains to be seen whether there will be improvements in changes to social assistance, vulnerable groups must "not fall by the wayside," explained Fenninger.

With an "urgent appeal," Samaritan Association Federal Managing Director Reinhard Hundsmüller addressed the future government in a statement. "Austria can no longer afford stagnation," he said. A government is needed that tackles pressing issues. Austria must be made future-proof, for example, by building up care, strengthening disaster relief, and expanding powers in the rescue services.

The Austrian Health and Nursing Association (ÖGKV) appealed in a statement to quickly implement the formulated measures. "Care and the entire health system are facing major challenges," said ÖGKV President Elisabeth Potzmann.

Christoph Pinter, head of the UN Refugee Agency, views the temporary halt to family reunification critically: "The constant worry about children, mother, or father makes it much harder to focus on learning German or finding a job." The strengthening of integration measures for refugees must not be diluted by restrictions in other areas, said Pinter. "Placing human rights at the center of politics" was demanded by Shoura Hashemi, Managing Director of Amnesty International Austria, in a statement. The suspension of family reunification is viewed very critically, as it violates human rights.

Senior Council Criticizes

The presidents of the Senior Council, Peter Kostelka and Ingrid Korosec, described the planned KV contribution increases for pensioners as "unsocial" in a statement. The increase of nearly 20 percent is a "strong piece."

SOS Children's Villages Managing Director, Christian Moser, positively assessed the government's "extensive measures" to curb child poverty. He was less pleased with the education sector: "A progressive child rights approach is largely missing here," said Moser.

The Council of Carinthian Slovenes welcomed the mention of the autochthonous minorities in Austria in a statement. Although brief, the implementation of promises, especially in the education sector where the minority has suffered the most damage in the past, is particularly important.

Municipal Association President Johannes Pressl welcomed the formation of the coalition. "On the part of the municipalities, we are ready for urgently needed reform projects in our country," explained Pressl. Once the ministries are filled, the Municipal Association will seek dialogue with the members of the federal government. Many municipalities are financially backed into a corner, Pressl reminded.

Joy at the House of History

The "Art and Culture" chapter of the government program was received with satisfaction on Thursday afternoon at the House of History Austria (hdgö), which is to be run as an independent federal museum in the future. "I am pleased that the future of the House of History Austria and the future design of Heldenplatz are important topics for the new government," said hdgö director Monika Sommer in response to an APA inquiry.

Sommer already has a concrete idea: "The Second Republic should give itself a highly visible and permanent symbol of liberal democracy on the 'Hitler Balcony' for its 80th birthday this year. The previous handling of this symbolically highly sensitive site of Austrian contemporary history is more than outdated. We have taken the initiative here and have already taken a step forward: From April 22, we will present artistic proposals on this at the House of History Austria."

Almost euphoric reactions came from the IG Authors. Even though the budget and personnel are still open, "it is the most ambitious art and culture program of a government in many years," said managing director Gerhard Ruiss via a press release. "What gives particular cause for joy and confidence is that this government's program stands on and by the side of art and culture."

Reactions from the media sector were mixed. The coming years will be "extremely challenging" from the perspective of ORF Director General Roland Weißmann. The financing of the public broadcaster is still secured, but the ORF fee will not be valorized. Thus, the ORF faces "another very tough austerity package," it was stated in a statement. At the same time, the goal must remain to further expand the alliance with the audience, "so that ORF remains the media offering that Austria trusts the most in the future." What measures will be necessary due to the freezing of the ORF fee is still to be worked out, Weißmann noted in an employee information. Initial key points are hoped to be outlined around the board of trustees in mid-March.

Planned Media Projects "Very Positive"

The Association of Austrian Newspapers (VÖZ) described the planned media projects as "very positive" in a press release. "In particular, the clear commitment to expanding media funding is welcomed," VÖZ President Maximilian Dasch was quoted as saying. "This supports Austrian media in the sustainable development of their digital engagements and also ensures the nationwide delivery of newspapers and magazines." Furthermore, the effort to increase media literacy among young people was highlighted. Understandable but painful, however, is the announced reduction in advertising spending.

The IG Free Theater Work showed a waiting stance, demanding from the future government to legally secure the budgets for the independent scene - comparable to the budgets for federal cultural institutions. "Should there be cuts in art and culture, it will primarily affect the independent scene," as it is not secured by index adjustments, according to a press release. "Budget cuts in this often precariously working area cannot be accepted, the new officials must commit to the financial security of independent art and culture creation and all the people working there!"

"The program shows that the coalition partners are fully aware of the challenges faced by those working in the cultural sector on a daily basis," said Yvonne Gimpel, managing director of IG Culture Austria, with delight. However, IG Culture is less enthusiastic about the "lack of commitment to the financial security of independent art and culture, while, for example, the multi-year value security of federal institutions is anchored." Many of the listed projects are subject to an implicit budget reservation.

(APA/Red)

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