Upper Austria: Volunteer work, which is especially essential for older Marchtrenkers, has been cancelled. Important construction projects are at a standstill and the clubs are left empty-handed. Particularly explosive: of all people, the SPÖ, which with its absolute majority actually holds scepter, stumbles over internal power struggles.
Marchtrenk has been dependent on an emergency budget since January 1. This means: no new projects, no awarded contracts, no subsidies – at least until the next city council meeting in February. Urgently necessary projects such as the expansion of the fire station or the renovation of the secondary schools are therefore on hold.
Free transportation services canceled
Particularly bitter: volunteer services from the city, which have been a given for years, are also being canceled. This includes offers such as the free transport service for Marchtrenker seniors to the weekly market or to childcare in the retirement home. These were canceled overnight because there was simply no money to pay workers’ wages. SP Mayor Paul Mahr says: “Due to the paid working hours for these offers, a continuation since January is no longer legally possible.”
My own party members voted against
What’s behind this debacle? The original budget proposal – as reported – provided for an expenditure amount of 48.5 million euros, against which there was only 47.6 million euros in revenue – a deficit of approximately 850,000 euros. Mahr wanted to cover this deficit from reserves, but that earned him sharp criticism. The opposition FPÖ and ÖVP accused the SPÖ of “lack of planning” and a lack of reforms in advance. But the real explosive force lay within its own ranks: several SPÖ municipal councilors refused to approve the budget – an insult that wiped out the party’s absolute majority. Ultimately, 21 of the 37 representatives voted against the proposal.
Special meeting in February
Behind the scenes, a power struggle is raging that deeply divides the SPÖ. Critics accuse Mahr of leaving too little room for his own initiatives. He in turn called on political speakers to explore savings options in their field without taboos.
A revised budget proposal will be decided at an extraordinary special meeting in February – if the SPÖ has reached an agreement by then.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
