Demands tax on the rich

SPÖ-Muchitsch: “Wealthy people should contribute”

(Bild: krone.tv )

In the discussion surrounding inheritance and gift tax, SPÖ spokesperson and trade unionist Josef Muchitsch is clear and critical: "Empty promises such as savings in administration are unrealistic, it is regrettable that we are not thinking about how we can come up with new taxes. People in this country should also contribute something." 

Muchitsch points out that Austria is at the bottom of the league in Western Europe in terms of tax revenue from wealth, with only 1.4%. "The real naked patzeln in Europe," is his harsh assessment. The SPÖ spokesperson also wonders about inheritance tax, which exists in 13 other European countries: "Why does it exist there and why don't we use it?" He sharply criticizes the current government: "A tax system must be taxed. And if we look at what is now in the election manifestos of the other parties - billions for corporations and the rich - then I ask myself how this can be financed. Through savings? Good night, dear Austria. They've been trying that for decades, but it's not working."

96% of Austrians not affected
But what amounts are we talking about here specifically? "There is no house tax. Main residences are exempt," he clarifies. The proposed model is not aimed at the middle class, but only applies to assets of 1.5 million euros or more. "It starts in stages from 1.5 million," says the politician, who emphasizes that most people in Austria would not be affected at all: "It does not affect 96% of the population in this country."

SPÖ spokesman and trade unionist Josef Muchitsch in an interview with krone.tv(Bild: krone.tv )

Affordable housing
The issue of affordable housing is of particular concern to students moving from the countryside to the city. However, the answer lies not only in the market situation, but also in the responsibility of politics, as SPÖ politician Josef Muchitsch emphasizes: "By convincing politicians to create instruments. More in subsidized housing or, above all, in starter apartments that meet the needs."

According to Muchitsch, starter apartments are a solution to make it easier for young people to enter city life. However, money must also be made available for this: "If we want to make this affordable, then we have to make money available and offer it to young people."

 "We should consider whether housing subsidies should be transferred from this patchwork of federal states back to a federal agency, such as a housing investment bank. This is the only way to efficiently meet the housing needs in the regions and create affordable housing," said the SPÖ politician.

Watch the entire interview in the video above!