KTM boss Pierer: – “More power is needed for our prosperity!”

„krone“: Mr Pierer, it is a time of crisis. Many people worry about inflation, rising prices and energy prices. Many of these people are also in Spielberg this weekend as motorsport fans, at KTM’s home race. What does that mean to you?
Stefan Pierer: All the bad news is certainly not good for us, it keeps us busy. The sport can actually be a distraction here. Some 5,500 KTM employees are at the Red Bull Ring this weekend alone. It’s important, it gives us a sense of community and it’s very emotional.

As an entrepreneur and head of the Upper Austrian Industry Federation, how do you deal with the major crisis issues?
Of course these topics concern me and I am happy to help with my experience as an entrepreneur. However, as far as inflation is concerned, I can say that unfortunately, in my view, this is often misrepresented. It all started in 2009, 2010, 2011 with the euro crisis and the statement ‘Whatever it takes’ by the then head of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi. Central bank balance sheets have doubled in ten years. Then came Corona, where money printing was continued with the necessary measures. This has greatly accelerated inflation. And now the dramatic situation in Ukraine and the energy crisis. It all gets intense. But I see the blame in politics – and in the central bank.

You say, “Politics has no plan”. What do you mean?
Politicians only think of one legislature and ask themselves the question: how do I move forward? Instead of saying strategically, that’s where we need to go, even though I might not be chosen in the end. And I have to say one more thing: in the last 20 years we have had an average negative selection in politics. And I also wonder: who does that to themselves these days?

Have you ever had any ambitions to enter politics?
Not!

More and more young employees are pushing for a good work-life balance and the four-day working week is in high demand. How do you see this development?
What we have created in terms of wealth over the past two generations has come about through performance. Power means work at a time. And no home office and four-day work week. We are in an extreme crisis. To maintain this prosperity, we must do better.

Are you concerned about the willingness to perform in our society?
The willingness to perform has certainly been partly lost. But it will come back, I have high hopes. Many people are demotivated because the tax rate is so high. I get that, in my generation you could create yet another level of wealth. That has to go back. Not everyone has to live like that and certainly not under duress. But there is a willingness to do so. However, I also say very clearly: for those who are willing to voluntarily do more, it should pay back in their wallets in the end.

Let’s go back to the sport. With KTM you play in MotoGP in the concert of the greats. On Friday you presented GasGas in Spielberg, a second factory team for the coming season. What are your goals in the motorcycling world championship?
Our first five years were a full realization of our goals. We are now in the first year of the next five-year period. Here we have to get the world title! With Jack Miller we have a new rider at KTM. With Pol Espargaró, a new one at GasGas. I would also like to apprehend Miguel Oliveira. I have spoken to him several times and I am sure I will not leave him alone.

Finally: You live and work in Upper Austria. How many Styria are left in Stefan Pierer?
Here are my roots. Styria remains a matter of the heart.