Minister of Labor and Economy Martin Kocher (ÖVP) wants to present a total package for the reform of unemployment benefits before the summer if possible. And he wants to talk about changes over time in the payroll and income tax reform that has already been decided. On the other hand, he sees no need to talk about a possible shift in carbon pricing. He rejects an inheritance tax and a ceiling on energy prices. He also does not see prosperity in danger in the long term.
With regard to the considerations about a degressive unemployment benefit model – so first more support, then less support – Kocher refers to the emergency aid, which amounts to 51 to 53 percent of the last benefit. “I’ve always said that unemployment benefits and emergency aid should not fall far below current levels.” “We know from studies that the extra income sometimes leads to an extension of unemployment benefits,” says Kocher.
Prosperity not at risk
With regard to falling real wages as a result of wage agreements below inflation, Kocher said he did not assume that society would have to say goodbye to the usual level of prosperity. “There are geopolitical dangers, but I don’t see a lasting effect on prosperity in Austria at the moment,” Kocher said.
No to inheritance tax
As for the ancillary costs, he emphasizes: “We are going to talk over time about changes in the payroll and income tax reform that has already been decided.” Is there an inheritance tax? “The inheritance tax is not foreseen in the government program and will therefore not come,” said the minister unequivocally.
Action sharp for working time reduction
When it came to short-time work, Kocher confirmed that a sharp action would now be taken. “There are those who adhere to all the rules, but compensate the fluctuations in assignments, which are a normal entrepreneurial risk, by shortening working hours,” the minister notes. “Normal entrepreneurial risk should be borne by the company.”
No limit on electricity prices
As for skimming profits from energy companies, Kocher explained that a pragmatic solution had to be found. “At some point, the public sector will benefit from having this paid out in the form of a dividend. The question is whether you should bring it up or not,” the minister said, adding: “In this case, I believe there are options that work better than a special tax.” He does not believe in capping electricity and gas prices. : “We’ve seen maximum prices in history, but that usually leads to supply bottlenecks.”
Will politics soon be a thing of the past?
Speaking of his personal future, the 48-year-old professor of behavioral economics and former director of the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS) said: “My planning horizon right now is the legislative period. I’m assuming my time in politics will be in two and a half years.” year will be over, someday I’ll go exploring again.” For the former Minister of Labor and the new Minister of Economic Affairs, joining the ÖVP is not an option.
Source: Krone
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