"Increase AMS funds!"

Red state leaders make demands of the blue-black coalition

Michael Ludwig makes first announcements in the direction of blue-black.

(Bild: APA/MAX SLOVENCIK)

In Vienna, but also in Lower Austria and Carinthia, social democrats are worried about the possible blue-black alliance. In particular, possible cuts in AMS funding are a thorn in the side of the red state leaders. Michael Ludwig, Peter Kaiser and Sven Hergovich therefore make their first demands to the blue-black coalition in an interview with the "Krone" newspaper.

Unemployment is rising and the economic outlook is deteriorating. Job cuts in industry and trade in particular have caused unemployment figures to rise, as reported. And according to AMS board member Petra Draxl, a decrease is not to be expected in the coming months. The economic research institute WIFO is even expecting another year of recession. However, the possible blue-black government could tighten the belt at the AMS - at least that is what is being said in negotiating circles.

Cuts would be "irresponsible"
Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig is therefore seeing red - and is ringing the alarm bells. "Now is the time to fight for every job. This requires a well-funded employment service. We expect the next federal government to do everything in its power to stimulate the economy and combat unemployment," says the powerful red-headed Viennese mayor. Peter Kaiser, the head of the Carinthian state government, echoes this sentiment and demands: "Especially in times of uncertainty, when people are worried about their professional future, it would be irresponsible to cut the AMS budget."

Sven Hergovich was head of the blue-yellow AMS before the SPÖ in Lower Austria.

(Bild: P. Huber)

Funds requested for employment foundations
And Lower Austria's SPÖ leader Sven Hergovich, who was head of the AMS in Lower Austria before taking on his party role, adds: "It is smarter to invest in work instead of financing unemployment afterwards." Instead of cuts to the AMS, what is needed now is a training offensive for skilled workers, more funding for work foundations and the resumption of the successful AMS model project "Marienthal Job Guarantee", which was stopped by the black-blue coalition in Lower Austria.