Many blockades and almost no results: the government’s food summit with experts in fighting inflation came to naught.
The government is used to filtering and spreading positive news – even if it lacks the content. The food summit was important, said the host, Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens). “Everyone came to the table, all possible instruments are being examined,” assisted ÖVP representative and Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig.
Transparency in pricing is important to him. That is also the view of the ÖGB and the poverty conference, which argue for better cartel legislation and appropriate social assistance in the fight against widespread poverty. A small thought of common denominator of the two-hour meeting of representatives of politics, trade, social partners, science.
‘Many explained why something doesn’t work’
ÖGB president Wolfgang Katzian, who had pushed for quick solutions such as suspending VAT on food before the summit, was disappointed in an interview with “Krone”: “40 people attended. Everyone talked for two minutes. In between, many explained why something doesn’t work.” A raised head, that is the conclusion of the meeting participants.
Many ideas went back and forth. Also the French model, which the Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP), who was not present on Monday, is thinking about: the food companies are refraining from price increases.
But things are not going smoothly in France. An important player is not involved, inflation is rising. France wants to expand the model. The “Krone” learned that Austrian companies would be in favor – and could ensure that the lighting also reached the customer.
Opposition froths: there is a vote of no confidence
Jan Kluge of Agenda Austria supports the ÖVP in its no to price intervention: “There is a lack of accuracy, especially those who are not affected would benefit from it.” Many others such as ÖGB or SPÖ – even Wifo boss Gabriel Felbermayr – say that action must be taken. The government has done too little.
The opposition is furious. SPÖ leader Rendi-Wagner and the FPÖ announced a special session and a vote of no confidence in the government. Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Kocher (ÖVP) and Minister of Finance Brunner will meet on Friday. You want to move forward quickly. The will is there. In the end, the work must stand before the will. Not the other way around.
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.
