Invitation for conversation – Doskozil starts new attempt at ‘garbage deal’

Doskozil (SPÖ) sent a letter on Thursday to the representatives of the Association of Community Representatives SPÖ, the Community Association ÖVP and the City Association. In it he invited new talks with him and deputy regional leader Astrid Eisenkopf (SPÖ) about the so-called ‘garbage deal’.

The proposal has been on the table for a year. The important points: The state takes over the Burgenland Waste Association (BMV), and in return the communities receive significantly increased funding for preschool staff. According to Doskozil, the total package would have greatly reduced the burden on municipalities – by 38 million euros in the first year, and then increasing to 51 million euros in 2030.

“Remembering constructive conversations”
“I remember the discussions at the time between the state and community or city representatives as very constructive,” Doskozil said in his letter. Agreement had been reached on many points, such as that personal sovereignty in the preschool sector would remain with the municipalities and that the municipalities could continue to hold organ functions in the BMV. “Unfortunately, this overall package failed due to a political veto – the circumstances are known to all involved,” Doskozil said. According to his office, the interview should take place before New Year’s Eve.

The state leader also emphasized in the letter that municipalities are also affected by the federal government’s budget deficit of around 15 billion euros. The consequences would now affect states and municipalities throughout Austria.