Today, a week ago: Energy prices are rising enormously. Wien Energie trades electricity to Böse. The result: The energy suppliers see an increase from 700 to 1000 euros. 1.7 billion euros is owed. The Wiener Stadtwerke, the City of Vienna and the Minister of Finance are confronted with the problem. The federal government provides the state of Vienna with a loan of 2 billion euros. Criticism gets loud. Experts assume misconduct in risk management. The NEOS also direct their criticism at the management of Wien Energie. So far there has been no crisis of confidence in the SPÖ: “The coalition is working well.”
The second government partner, NEOS, has also directed its allegations primarily against Wien Energie’s management. Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr does not want to talk about a crisis of confidence in the SPÖ. “It is catastrophic how the information policy of Wien Energie took place here and the crisis management was also catastrophic,” said Wiederkehr, who heard about the affair via television. “I was absolutely pissed off at how such amounts can be communicated in such a way that even I wasn’t well informed,” the deputy mayor said in the Ö1 “Tomorrow Journal” on Friday.
Request transparency and control now
Control and clarification are now especially important to him. The NEOS boss would not have lost confidence in the SPÖ: “I’m not very self-pitying.” But he now demands transparency and control. For example, the National Audit Office will fully audit Wien Energie. Returns will work for thatwith the coalition partners, to strengthen control rights over the city’s outsourced companies – such as Wien Energie – “because the control rights here are far too weak.”
„Also overcame many crises”
It would be good to discuss whether the emergency power of the mayor should be limited – in terms of democratic politics. “With such high amounts, I think it is important that the opposition parties, all parties in the city senate and also the public become aware of such mechanisms.” Despite the events, the deputy mayor sees no problems in the talks with the coalition. The alliance works well: “We have already mastered many crises – Corona, the war in Ukraine – we will also master this crisis together.”
Security of supply is now central
The focus for him now is security of supply – that the Viennese can heat and have hot water. “I’m sure we will succeed in some things.” According to him, the coalition partner – the SPÖ, especially the mayor – is now responsible for complete clarity: “But here is also the will to do that.” According to Wiederkehr, errors – for example in risk management – come to light, then consequences may be necessary.
The final political responsibility rests with Alderman for Finance Peter Hanke. According to Wiederkehr, no personal consequences have been necessary so far. “I have confidence in Alderman Finance Hanke.” Now it is Hanke’s job to provide this clarification. “Of course, if there are mistakes, there must be consequences.”
Source: Krone
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