In rare agreement, the states are demanding from the government an energy protection umbrella for Austria, analogous to the German gas price brake. Viennese Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) and Markus Wallner (ÖVP) of Vorarlberg left concrete amounts open after a meeting of the state governors’ conference on Friday, but it is important to act quickly. The federated states also want to be involved more quickly and more intensively in the information policy on security of supply.
With the energy cost subsidy, the federal government has already taken an important step, according to the statement of the state governors. “You need to get going,” Wallner pressed the energy protection screen. No competitive disadvantages for the economy should be allowed. “Everyone is rightfully moaning and moaning,” said Ludwig. Concrete amounts were deliberately not mentioned, his colleague from Vorarlberg added. These should first be calculated and discussed.
Predictability for Christmas
The governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP), also confirmed the joint demands of the federal states. There must be clarity and planning, especially before Christmas. Many entrepreneurs want the German model, so it is important to take a quick look at this. “But whatever model comes, it has to come soon,” says Mikl-Leitner.
Competitiveness concerns
For the governor of Upper Austria, Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP), it is also about the survival of small businesses, but also about the competitiveness of large industrial companies and the loss of a number of jobs. “If companies in Germany suddenly pay a fraction for energy next year, our companies will no longer be competitive.”
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
