Despite Christmas, the ‘Zuckerl’ coalition continued negotiating on Monday. As expected, no breakthrough was achieved. The focus is currently on the budget.
On Monday afternoon, the three party leaders Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) met for an hour-long exchange. Negotiators said it was about evaluating and prioritizing lighthouse projects from a budgetary perspective.
As reported, a minimal compromise was reached on Friday evening, namely a plan for how the budget should be restructured over the next seven years. If the Austrian government does not send a credible restructuring plan to Brussels in January, the European Commission will likely initiate proceedings.
Save 3.9 versus 6.3 billion euros?
The working groups must now determine how this should be addressed. The EU deficit procedure should save €3.9 billion by 2025, without the procedure this would be €6.3 billion. There would also be costs associated with the planned measures. The SPÖ believes that billionaires should make a contribution – keyword wealth tax.
However, there is a lack of real changes in the system or specific initiatives. The NEOS in particular are pushing for this. There was no breakthrough on Monday. The talks will resume on Friday, November 27.
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.
