Decisions on Friday

Zuckerl coalition: First Council of Ministers meets today

The first Council of Ministers of the Zuckerl coalition got off to a lavish start.

(Bild: APA/ROLAND SCHLAGER)

The members of the three-party coalition between the Turks, Reds and Pinks met for the first Council of Ministers on Wednesday. Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) emphasized in advance that they wanted to "work from day one". SPÖ Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler was pleased to announce that the rent freeze would be implemented. The controversial bank levy is also set to pass the National Council on Friday.

Stocker stated during the doorstep before the meeting that they would "make the right decisions for Austria together". Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) was downright euphoric: "There is magic in every beginning."

Rent control also for new buildings
SPÖ leader Babler was also particularly pleased, announcing that the rent freeze - as reported in advance by the "Krone" - would be implemented in the near future. "This is a good day for us!" said the Vice-Chancellor.

(Bild: APA/ROLAND SCHLAGER)

After the Council of Ministers, State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP), State Secretary Michaela Schmidt (SPÖ) and Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) made statements. Among other things, Pröll announced the decision to abolish the previous model of educational leave, the abolition of subsidies for photovoltaic systems and the increase in the betting tax to five percent. 

Rent cap to save Austrians 140 million euros
State Secretary Michaela Schmidt (SPÖ) turned her attention to the issue of the rent cap, which her party leader Andreas Babler had already praised: "This measure was urgently needed, as the recent rent increases have placed a massive burden on a large proportion of Austrians. Austrians will save around 140 million euros per year." A price cap will also be set for new-build rents for the first time. Further price-reducing measures are planned in the government program for 2026 and 2027.  

Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS), State Secretary Alexander Pröll (Chancellery, ÖVP) and State Secretary Michaela Schmidt (Chancellery, SPÖ)

(Bild: APA/ROLAND SCHLAGER)

Already in the National Council on Friday
The bank levy, which was controversial in the run-up to the formation of the new government, is also set to flush several million into the state coffers. The top tax rate will also be extended by a further four years "so that those with a high income also make their contribution", says Schmidt. The majority of the above-mentioned turquoise-red-pink measures, including the rent cap and the bank levy, are to be passed by the National Council on Friday. 

Wiederkehr: "Tough years, then an upturn"
NEOS Minister Christoph Wiederkehr admitted that we were facing "tough years", but that a "phase of recovery" was expected afterwards. The savings are "tough, but necessary": "This will allow us to create scope for investment in our future - and this will be written in our educational institutions, schools and kindergartens." According to Wiederkehr, the second, compulsory year of kindergarten - a flagship project of the NEOS - should make it easier for children to start school and the aim is to recruit sufficient staff with a training offensive. 

According to the SPÖ, it remains to be seen how the three-party coalition will organize the Council of Ministers in future, while the ÖVP spoke of flexibility. During the coalition negotiations, the weekly meeting did not take place.