National Council on Friday Not Only with Government Statement

On Friday, the National Council will learn firsthand what the coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS plans for the next five years. Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) will give his first government declaration, followed by a debate in which various ministers will also be heard. However, there will also be the first important legislative decisions. For example, the new Federal Ministries Act is certain, along with the statutory provisional budget.

But that doesn't have to be all, as the Budget Consolidation Measures Act, initially without relevant content as a so-called "carrier rocket," is also on the agenda. Various savings plans, such as the bank levy and the abolition of educational leave, could be included here. At least some of the measures, such as the end of the VAT exemption for PV systems, could already be decided now.

Ultimately, it will probably be clarified at the earliest in the Budget Committee next Thursday which of the plans will actually be decided in the upcoming session. The next regular plenary session is scheduled for March 26.

Automatic Provisional Budget to be Replaced

It is already certain that the previous automatic provisional budget will be replaced by a statutory provisional budget. This offers more security that money can continue to flow until the planned double budget filled with content is decided in a few weeks.

The decision on the Federal Ministries Act is also quite urgent. Currently, the ministers have only taken over the tasks of the previous government. However, a reallocation of responsibilities has been agreed upon between the coalition partners. This means that Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) is currently not able to act in her designated area of work because it still belongs to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Similar problems exist in almost all departments. The future Minister of the Chancellery Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) and Women's Minister Eva Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) were sworn in without any area of responsibility. Only when the Federal Ministries Act comes into force can the affected government members be sworn in again according to their actual tasks.

Special Session of the National Council Without Special Actions

At least there will be no special actions in the special session. Neither "current" nor question hours are scheduled, nor should there be any "urgent" inquiries or motions according to the proposal of the club directors.

(APA/Red)

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