“The unemployed should go to work, then they can also go shopping” – With these and other statements, Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) made people sit up and pay attention in the “ZiB 2” interview on Wednesday evening. He is convinced that work and performance prevent poverty. Those receiving social assistance are particularly affected.
According to Chancellor Nehammer, poverty under his predecessor Christian Kern (SPÖ) was also higher in 2016. “We’ve done a lot to fight poverty.” For example, those who cannot go to work will find a close-knit social network there. The measures taken always ensure that inflation is not fueled further. Unlike other European countries, Austria decided to strengthen purchasing power and stabilize the labor market. There are currently 200,000 job openings in Austria. The aim must be to get the unemployed into work.
maintain purchasing power
In Spain, unlike Austria, purchasing power has fallen. It is important for Nehammer to ensure competition. For example, the tax reform that has been decided on will continue to apply to higher wages, and he would also like to see a reform of the unemployment benefit that initially provides for a higher and later a lower premium. With regard to purchasing power, moderator Armin Wolf Nehammer discussed, among other things, a possible sales tax for groceries. According to the Chancellor, this is no guarantee that prices will actually fall. He cited Hungary as an example, which would not have benefited consumers at all. On the other hand, he spoke out for more transparency in prices – as provided for in the government package.
Energy as the number one price driver
Since the supermarkets are currently contesting the price increase with higher energy prices, the new law could help here. The Chancellor does not state why it does work here, that lower prices are passed on, but not in the case of VAT. In any case, energy prices are the main price driver. The government is now broadening its support measures with industry and business, which should come from June. The ÖVP politician could not answer when inflation will no longer exceed the EU average. He did not have a crystal ball, but assured him that this matter was on his mind.
More than a future Chancellor Herbert Kickl (FPÖ). He has radicalized himself, lives in conspiracy theories and hardly contributes to solving crises. The government, on the other hand, has already taken many other measures to relieve people in the face of inflation. Wolf should let him explain it better, otherwise he would be talking to himself right away. It was often about getting help quickly. The accuracy sometimes fell by the wayside. In any case, he won’t promise people anything “that I can’t promise,” Nehammer clarified.
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.
