So Chancellor Stocker Will Fight Inflation
Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) announced on Tuesday his personal goal of achieving at least one percent economic growth in the coming year. In the "oe24.tv" summer interview, the ÖVP leader also emphasized that inflation should not exceed two percent by 2026. He sees the EU as responsible for food prices. If the EU does nothing against the "Austria surcharge," Stocker wants a contribution discount.
The Chancellor did not rule out that the civil servants' agreement might be lower than agreed last year. Stocker pointed out that a salary agreement made by the previous government is in legal form, which provides for a settlement of 0.3 percent above inflation: "You only deviate from that if a joint solution is found." Whether this will be achieved at the level of social partners, i.e., with the civil servants' representation, he could not say. However, he noted "a certain willingness to talk about these things."
Stocker calls for EU action due to high food prices
Stocker did not want to commit definitively to what a future increase in the retirement age might entail. There is an agreement for the legislative period to align the actual retirement age with the statutory one. If this does not succeed, "one of the possibilities mentioned" would be considered afterward.
Primarily, Stocker wants to focus on combating inflation. On one hand, he aims for lower energy prices, and on the other, he wants to address food prices: "I am no longer willing to accept the Austria surcharge," he expressed his frustration that corporations charge higher prices in smaller countries. This is "anti-competitive." If the EU does not intervene - the Chancellor wants a ban on such practices - Stocker wants a discount on contributions to the EU.
The announcements by SPÖ leader Andreas Babler regarding rent price control were supported by the ÖVP leader. These are also part of the government program.
FPÖ criticizes Stocker's inflation and growth plans
The announcement by Chancellor Stocker to limit inflation to two percent next year and achieve one percent growth is met with considerable skepticism by the FPÖ. Economic spokesperson Barbara Kolm saw only announcements and PR phrases in a statement. The economic location must be strengthened to maintain competitiveness and jobs - and for this, targeted relief and investment incentives are needed.
Austrian companies and the population are suffering from an inflation rate well above the EU average, and in the second quarter of 2025 alone, corporate insolvencies increased by almost ten percent, painting a bleak picture, according to Kolm: "In reality, Austria is the economic laggard in the EU growth comparison."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.