Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) will give his speech on the budget in times of crisis on Wednesday and hopes for “broad approval”: he will probably not be able to count on the opposition.
Magnus means “the great one”. Finance Minister Brunner bears this first name and has the same responsibility in his position. Raising a budget in volatile times – he has big plans. Brunner will deliver a speech in parliament on Wednesday. It will last an hour, longer than the predecessor’s speeches, “but considerably shorter, more compact, more compact than those of other ministers before it,” Brunner’s office says.
Central elements: multiple crises, Covid-19, war, energy. Speech title: “Out of responsibility for tomorrow – safe in the future”. Brunner refers to measures that have already been taken, such as a subsidy for electricity costs, abolishing cold progression, etc. “I hope for broad approval.” The hope may remain unfulfilled.
The opposition took a position yesterday: SPÖ club vice Jörg Leichtfried calls for a limit on gas and electricity, suspension or reduction of VAT on food. And – as usual – the government must resign. Neos boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger criticizes the watering can: “Of the 12 billion, only 400 million is invested specifically in poorer households.”
Millions extra for staff in the chancery
The “Krone” has experienced remarkable details beforehand. From 2023 to 2026, the Federal Chancellery will increase personnel costs by EUR 3.15 million per year. This corresponds to a doubling of the previous costs. The Chancellor’s Office refers to the total costs of the central office, in which 56 million would be available for a total of 614 people. This amount includes all personnel costs including valorisation costs and other costs for another 22 positions. The extra 3.15 million is planned for this. It should also be taken into account that there are de facto four areas in the Federal Chancellery (BKA) – Chancellor, EU/Constitution, Women/Family and Youth. All in all, everything will cost many billions.
The budget will be adopted on 17 November. Magnus Brunner: “After the crisis, we must reduce the debt.” That sounds like a job for Hercules.
Source: Krone
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