The blue-black budget restructuring contains many explosives. There could soon be a real price explosion in the costs of driver’s licenses, passports, registrations, etc.
The total for the compensation item is small at 65 million euros compared to the total savings volume of 6.4 billion, but it does affect the individual sensitively.
Rates have not increased since 2011
The FPÖ and ÖVP had announced that they would adjust federal compensation to inflation and expected a turnover of 65 million euros. The problem is that prices have not been adjusted since 2011. Since then, however, inflation has risen by about 44 percent.
If all inflation is offset, fees could nearly double.
- The passport may soon cost 110 instead of 76 euros,
- the B driving license 90 instead of 60 euros,
- The registration for a car could increase from 120 to 172 euros.
- For a fast pass you would have to pay around 143 euros instead of the current 100 euros.
- for a one-day fast pass 316 (instead of the previous 220 euros).
- For the identity card, an inflation adjustment would mean an increase to approximately 88 euros (currently 61.50).
The government’s blue-black negotiators are still silent on details.
The FPÖ and ÖVP are also silent about the budgeted additional income from health insurance. There is talk of an increase in health insurance premiums for retirees.
Representatives of pensioners climb the barricades
Representatives of pensioners are already taking to the barricades. “We will certainly not tolerate that,” said Peter Kostelka, chairman of the SPÖ-affiliated pensioners’ association, announcing “bitter resistance.” The Senior Citizens’ Association ÖVP understood that all population groups had to contribute to the budget restructuring, but called for a balanced ratio.
270 million additional income from health insurance
According to the budgetary consolidation plans, EUR 320 million should be saved in health insurance: EUR 270 million to adjust premiums and EUR 50 million to close insurance gaps. What this means in concrete terms has not yet been specified by the FPÖ and ÖVP. To save the 270 million, an increase in health insurance premiums for pensioners will probably be planned.
The contribution rate is currently 5.1 percent of the gross pension, while that for employees is considerably higher at 7.65 percent. The employees pay 3.87 percent and the employer 3.78 percent. That is why the pensioners’ association states that pensioners already pay the highest health insurance premium.
Part-time employees are also included in the drawing
The seniors’ association ÖVP pointed out that the increase in contributions had not yet been confirmed. “In principle, all population groups will have to contribute to the restructuring of the budget, including the older generation, but all measures must be balanced and socially acceptable,” explains President Ingrid Korosec of the Senior Citizens’ Association.
According to the morning newspaper “Ö1”, the contribution of 50 million under the title of health insurance will come from the inclusion of marginally working people in the compulsory insurance.
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.
