In the Salzburg state parliament

5000 euros in the tavern was the budget agitator

The invitation to the Haubenlokal by Unternberg's mayor was also discussed in the state parliament.

(Bild: Holitzky Roland)

The restaurant affair in Unternberg was the most heated topic at the provincial budget meeting. The salary increase for politicians and savings plans for parties were controversially discussed

The "Krone" report about the FPÖ mayor of the municipality of Unternberg's visit to a restaurant with his team for 5000 euros also caused a stir during the budget debate in the provincial parliament on Wednesday. There, state politicians discussed all kinds of figures and budget estimates. However, the most heated part of the debate was not about the planned new debt of 487 million euros, but about a figure that is not even in the state budget.

In response to SPÖ party leader Max Maurer's comment that Unternberg should actually be calculating tightly given its past as an equalization municipality, FPÖ leader Marlene Svazek said, referring to the invitation: "Every mayor does that." Maurer's response: "Yes, but not to the Haubenlokal."

There was also some need for discussion when it came to money for politics. Svazek defended the 3.5 percent increase in politicians' salaries, arguing that they had to be paid accordingly in order to get competent politicians. KPÖ-Plus party leader Natalie Hangöbl replied: "The state government is living the trade unionists' dream. They can raise their own salaries. It is also living the dream of pupils that they can assess their own performance."

Disagreement on savings among the state parliamentary parties
There was also a need to talk about cutting party funding by 300,000 euros in the coming year. Only the SPÖ did not vote in favor. They felt they were being treated unfairly. The Reds would be in favor of saving money for parties in principle, but feel that they are not involved enough by the state government. "If that's the level of involvement, then I don't want to be involved any more," said SPÖ party leader Maurer.

However, the state government apparently does not yet have a full overview of the budget. As reported, the number of staff is to be reduced by 100 positions over the next two years. Jobs are also to be cut in the area of the ethics committee and patient representation. However, no member of the government was able to provide information in response to a question from the SPÖ, and the answer will have to be submitted in writing.