Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) and Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) appeared before the press on Wednesday after the last Council of Ministers of this year to look back on the crisis year 2022. Despite Austria’s difficult situation due to enormous inflation, the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis, the coalition was quite optimistic that the country would do well. Because: “The gloomy predictions have not come true,” emphasized Nehammer.
“If we look back on the past year, you have to say: that was a difficult year.” When he accepted his chancellorship, the country was still in lockdown. Then war broke out in Ukraine. This created many problems and pressing questions: will we have enough gas for the winter? Is the economy going to collapse? However, the gloomy predictions of many experts have not materialized. Firstly, energy dependence on Russia can be significantly reduced and secondly, Austria’s gas storage facilities are well supplied. “We are already preparing for the coming winter so that houses do not stay cold and companies can continue to operate,” said the Chancellor.
1552 € average relief per person
With the help of the electricity cost brake and three anti-inflation packages, people were supported and guided through daily life during this crisis. In this context, Nehammer also mentioned other financial support that had been decided this year. According to the Chancellor, this resulted in an average saving of 1,552 euros per year for each individual and 3,700 euros per year for families. According to statistics from the Brussels think tank Bruegel, Austria ranks second after Luxembourg among countries with the highest anti-inflation measures per capita. Germany ranks 4th behind Italy in this list.
Vice Chancellor Kogler took the same line, praising the work of all ministers who had contributed to the aid packages and structural reforms. Especially Minister of Energy Leonore Gewessler was put in the spotlight here. “The gas market is the most complicated of all,” said the party member in his speech.
Kogler: The world will not stay as it is
In connection with the aid packages, Kogler was also quite self-critical. These should have been decided very quickly, so mistakes were made. The successful work shows that, despite all the upheavals, people feel that there is no lack of energy. But one should not give in to the illusion that the world will remain the same for everyone. War, climate change and the energy crisis will change all of our lives, says Kogler.
Protection for refugees from Ukraine extended
Speaking of the war in Ukraine, the Council of Ministers decided on Wednesday to extend ID cards for displaced persons for Ukrainians by one year until March 2024. The European Commission recently announced that the temporary right of residence through the Temporary Protection Directive will remain in place at least until March 2024 .
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
