More speed required

Debt calculator: ÖVP increases pressure on state budget

Presented the debt calculator: ÖVP regional chairman Christian Sagartz, regional managing director Patrik Fazekas and club leader Markus Ulram.

(Bild: ÖVP)

The ÖVP Burgenland is once again criticizing the state's financial situation. This is underpinned by a "debt calculator", which is now available online. It is also calling for more speed in the budget.

Normally, the ÖVP working conference at the end of November focuses on the new state budget. This year was different: "We have neither a budget nor a date for when this budget will be dealt with in the state parliament or when it will be passed," said club leader Markus Ulram and also identified "record levels of debt".

As reported, the budget speech by state leader Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ) had been postponed due to his laryngectomy. ÖVP provincial chairman Christian Sagartz also criticized the fact that the finance department had not answered questions about the budget this year: "This makes it difficult for the opposition to prepare."

The ÖVP also presented a "debt calculator" online. At schuldenrechner.at, the increase in state debt calculated from the financial statements and the annual holding report is documented live. At the start, the ÖVP assumed a figure of 2.1 billion euros. "There is an increase of 400,000 euros every day," says Ulram.

SPÖ: "Destructive style" and "hypocrisy"
SPÖ party leader Roland Fürst accused the ÖVP of a "destructive style" and "hypocrisy". The date for the budget day had been set and all resolutions and submissions would be made on time.