In the federal government, SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner is fighting inflation like a lioness, in red Vienna the rates are being raised for the second time in a row. We asked: how does that fit together?
“Prices have to come down,” SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner said. “We need a price ceiling for energy immediately!” She has no shortage of ideas: “Either you set a price ceiling when the electricity prices are determined, or directly on the electricity bill of the end user. Both are possible.” Here the opposition politician presents himself as an anti-inflation chancellor, while the real head of government babbles about alcohol and psychotropic drugs as crisis management tools.
At the same time in Vienna, under the leadership of the Social Democratic mayor Michael Ludwig: As reported, the mayor sees an end to the increase in the tariffs for sewage, waste and water “at the moment”. Means: For the second time in a row, in 2023 – despite the mega-crisis – taxes will go up. In addition to district heating and renting.
Comparison with corona management
But how does that work; SPÖ fight against inflation and SPÖ increase fees? We asked party leader Rendi-Wagner. The answer came from her spokeswoman: “High energy prices are a problem throughout Austria that requires solutions throughout Austria. The responsibility cannot be shifted to the federal states here. Example: The Minister of Economic Affairs has to intervene under the price law when it comes to fuel prices.”
And: “When it comes to electricity, the SPÖ advocates an electricity ceiling for the whole of Austria. A patchwork of measures, similar to what we saw with Corona management, cannot be the goal.” By the way, while Vienna is again going its own way in the fight against the pandemic.
“High time for a word of strength”
In any case, the municipal opposition has found clear words against the rate increase. Secretary General Laura Sachslehner and Viennese party leader Karl Mahrer spoke out for the ÖVP on Sunday: “It is high time for SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner to put his foot in the direction of Michael Ludwig. Because in Vienna, the SPÖ could show that they take their big demands for price reductions seriously.”
The FPÖ even speaks of “robber baronry”. Party leader Dominik Nepp: “A price cap is demanded at the federal level, in Vienna the red mayor is raising rents in municipal buildings, sewage, waste and sewer charges, as well as swimming pool prices and parking fees.”
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.
