Brunner on CNN: – “Dependence on Russian gas reduced to 20%”

When asked by Quest about the threat of a looming recession in Europe and the Eurozone, Brunner explained that the domestic economy has been doing quite well so far. GDP has grown, for the next 3.4 percent growth. “That is above the European average. That is above that of Germany,” said the minister.

“Budget Challenge”
If trading partner Germany enters a recession, this will of course have consequences for the domestic economy. However, the Austrian government is trying to counter this with an eco-social tax reform and tax cuts for companies, Brunner said in the CNN interview. “The structure of our economy is also different from that in Germany. Smaller, medium-sized companies whose order books are currently full,” said the Minister of Finance. The current preconditions are of course also a considerable challenge for the budget.

Asked by Quest what his biggest concern is going into the coming winter, Brunner explained: “Our biggest concern is inflation. rising prices of course. And how can we support our population?” And also how domestic companies can be supported as well as possible in these difficult times, according to the minister.

I hope everything will be fine”
When Quest asked what would come after the pandemic and the energy crisis, Brunner said, “We have a war in Europe, in the middle of Europe really. We have an inflationary crisis. We have rising prices. We have an energy crisis. An energy security crisis. Multiple crises. ,What’s next?’ I hope everything ends well.”