More and more Austrians are worried about the next energy bill, which will inevitably flutter into their homes due to the enormous cost increase. While the federal government is still convinced that it has taken sufficient precautions with the anti-inflation package, a ÖVP politician is now stepping out for the first time. The governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, now wants to talk about a ceiling on electricity prices.
Politicians are becoming increasingly aware of the social explosive power of inflation. Now the governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, continues. She advocates more constructive politics. “There must be clear leadership in government. It needs solidarity in the coalition and constructive cooperation in parliament instead of constant berating by the opposition,” Mikl-Leitner warns against the “Krone”.
Mikl-Leitner calls for “clear decision”
Lower Austria’s head of state calls for a “clear decision on price caps” – especially when it comes to electricity prices. Why should what already exists in France not succeed in Austria? With this advance, Mikl-Leitner partly follows the SPÖ course.
Apparently she is also not satisfied with the government’s crisis management. More “transparency in emergency plans and a plan of what gas distribution will look like in the event of an emergency” is needed, says Mikl-Leitner. That creates trust and security. The third requirement is an offensive in renewable energy. “Lower Austria and Burgenland have by far the most wind turbines.”
Chancellor clear against price ceiling
The advance of Lower Austria will probably not get much acclaim in the Federal Chancellery. For example, ÖVP chancellor Karl Nehammer categorically rejected any form of price cap on Friday. Such a measure would not have proved appropriate – for example with fuel prices in Germany – he explained in the National Council.
Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (also ÖVP) has little to gain from a price ceiling. The measures decided so far are already “targeted and precise,” he emphasized recently in an interview with krone.tv. “You should never rule out anything,” he still held a back door open for possible further assistance.
No condoning about asylum numbers
But the criticism of the reception by the federal government is not enough: Mikl-Leitner also demands that the number of asylum seekers is no longer obscured, but that measures are taken. But she was satisfied with the work of Interior Minister Gerhard Karner – also from Lower Austria.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
