Difficult times sometimes make quick solutions easier. The opposition and unions are stepping up the fight against inflation. The powerful ÖGB president Wolfgang Katzian in the “Krone” interview: “The government should finally get to work. Next week we expect a concrete plan to relieve people.” That should go into effect before the summer, not in October.
At the moment there is a struggle within the coalition. Are there one-time or inflation-adjusted payments? The union advocates the latter. 3000 works councils met in Vienna on Wednesday. Katzian: “The problem doesn’t just affect the poor. The costs explode. If something doesn’t happen soon, we’ll take other measures.”
“…then one can offer better options”
A one-off payment and the long-term package of four billion are all well and good, but not a sustainable and above all not a timely solution. You must also suspend the VAT on groceries. “If the chancellor then says that this is not correct, then better options must be offered. Here you also need the courage to make holes in times of emergency.”
However, negotiator Katzian has the impression that the government has understood that it must act now. Government circles say relief can be expected before the fall – especially for the low earners.
825,000 people heavily burdened with housing costs
There are also SOS calls from the Poverty Conference. Housing costs are a heavy burden for about 825,000 people, says social expert Martin Schenk, who, like the ÖGB, would like to see an increase in social benefits, such as unemployment benefits, housing allowance or minimum income. “This has a preventive effect and reduces the risk of poverty.”
Representation of retirees remains on the offensive
The approximately 2.4 million pensioners also speak out loudly. Ingrid Korosec, president of the Senior Citizens’ Association: “The tax credits for pensions must be increased. Our requirement is confirmed by IHS and Wifo.” Korosec, who is also in negotiations with the government and would like to see a response before the summer, sees the current 8% inflation rate mainly for seniors, as they spend most of their income on groceries and use energy.
Minister of Social Affairs Johannes Rauch (Greens) has already indicated that adjustments will also be made in this area. It will be interesting to see when.
Source: Krone
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