Pressure from pensioners’ representatives had an effect: now the federal government’s popular investment option is no longer available only digitally.
Since Wednesday, the ‘Bundesschatz’, the investment product of the federal government, has also been available in analogue form. Since its launch on 22 April 2024, more than 43,000 accounts have been opened. Older people in particular are enthusiastic about it. But there are obstacles for them when it comes to a purely digital form.
Right to an “analog life”
The government responded not least to pressure from high representatives Ingrid Korosec (ÖVP) and Peter Kostelka (SPÖ), who demanded the right to an “analogue life” just before the National Council elections at the end of September. There is now an analogue investment opportunity. Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) emphasizes that Austria is the first country in the world where private individuals can “invest money directly with the state – digitally or analogue – in the short term and without any costs.” , in order to continue to guarantee and strengthen the financial participation of all population groups.
Finance Minister Magnus Brunner is also satisfied. “Our goal was and is to create more supply of a safe investment product with the new Federal Treasury. It is about incentives for private provision and to ensure that older and younger people can create something for themselves.”
High representatives see themselves as confirmed
Senior Citizens Association Chairwoman Ingrid Korosec: “I am pleased that the Chancellor and the Minister of Finance have recognized the need and have now implemented this so quickly. “Analog alternatives should be self-evident – alongside digital.”
Peter Kostelka also states that this is a step “in the right direction”, but goes even further. “According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, a solution without internet and ID-Austria should now also be made possible for the craft bonus, the repair bonus and subsidies for heating replacement.”
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.
