It’s a closing of ranks that, for better or for worse, will fuel the political comeback speculation surrounding Christian Kern. He still denies it himself. “It is a solidarity cooperation for the country. I have my jobs in the economy,” said ex-SPÖ Chancellor Kern.
He sits next to SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner in the alternative rooms of parliament. The predecessor and his successor’s first joint appearance since Kern’s departure from politics.
First performance of the red duo
Christian Kern has been speaking out in the media for weeks now and calls on those responsible in Austria and the EU to intervene in the merit order to bring the gas price back to normal levels. A few weeks ago, Pamela Rendi-Wagner grabbed her cell phone and asked Kern to put her know-how at the disposal of the SPÖ.
50 Euro pro megawatts
In a background discussion, Rendi-Wagner and Kern now present a model that would soon bring relief. And it looks like this: The SPÖ proposes that the EU member states jointly purchase gas and pass it on to the population and the economy at a protected price of 50 euros per megawatt hour. This lowers both gas and electricity prices.
Nine billion costs for the state
If such an agreement is not reached, Rendi-Wagner and Kern also want to implement this plan nationally. This should result in a saving of 4000 euros for the population. In total, the model of the red duo would cost the state nine billion.
Savings of 21 billion euros
On the other hand, there are no short-time working costs because companies are no longer able to produce due to the high energy costs. The savings from these securities would be $21 billion. “In the energy market, the pause button has to be pressed,” emphasizes Rendi-Wagner.
“It’s an emergency. The suggestion would take effect soon. If we don’t act now, the suffering will be epic,” Kern warns. Merit order system must be suspended for 24 months. “After that, it needs to be evaluated,” Kern says. “But the EU has this homework anyway.”
Source: Krone
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