The FPÖ is again fiercely critical of the government’s measures to deal with rising inflation. The government’s work is a “stupid joke” and “can hardly be surpassed in terms of shame,” FPÖ consumer spokesman Peter Wurm said on Thursday. The blue politician demanded that the value-added tax on basic foodstuffs be abolished or at least halved and wages adjusted for inflation.
The introduction of the 150 euro energy voucher is inconvenient and comes too late, says environmental spokesman Walter Rauch. The switch to sustainable energy is desirable, but it takes more time. Austria is currently dependent on Russian gas and an exit would cost more than 6 billion euros. When it comes to CO₂ pricing, Rauch is already bothered by the name: “It is a tax and therefore a social burden for citizens”.
Opposition wants to appear united
In today’s consumer protection committee, 18 of the 19 motions came from the opposition. According to Wurm, the government has only submitted an application for the shelf life of eggs. “We will remain active as an opposition,” he said, announcing a joint press conference with the SPÖ and NEOS before the summer holidays.
War hardly to blame for inflation?
There are many reasons for the high inflation, but the war in Ukraine is the least to blame, according to Wurm. He blamed the policies of the EU and the ECB. “The southern states of Europe have been overrun by billions in recent years, now we have the bill.” Wurm cited Hungary as a role model for dealing with inflation, especially energy costs, and that Austria “could take an example from this”.
Source: Krone
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