Marterbauer/Eibinger-Miedl/Schellhorn: Budget restructuring is a national endeavour
Government statement on Statistics Austria data
At 4.7 per cent, the figure published today by Statistics Austria for the general government deficit in 2024 is significantly higher than the figures previously forecast by economic researchers. One reason for this is the weak economic situation, which is especially due to the ongoing difficult global political situation and is having a negative impact on the budgets of the federal government, federal states, municipalities and social security funds. This makes a joint, nationwide effort all the more necessary in order to reorganise public finances. The government is committed to maintaining the consolidation course beyond the agreed savings in the 2025/26 double budget. In doing so, it is important not to further burden the economy and employment, for example through new taxes, but to focus on predictability, long-term reforms, efficiency increases and offensive measures.
Federal Minister of Finance Markus Marterbauer: "The current situation is serious, which is why we will do everything we can, step by step, to reduce the general government deficit. A budget is restructured on the basis of facts, data, scientific analyses and a steady-handed policy geared towards clear targets. Our goal is to get the public finances back in order. Everyone will have to do their bit. Despite the challenges, I am confident, because the strength of our country is cohesion and cooperation - especially in difficult times. In the wake of the banking crisis, the deficit in 2009 was 5.38 per cent of GDP. Even then, it was possible to reduce the budget deficit through responsible joint action by the government and the federal and state governments. We will succeed again this time."
State Secretary for Finance Barbara Eibinger-Miedl: "In economically challenging times, we need confidence, cohesion and the building of bridges in politics - especially between stable finances and new opportunities for the future. Now is the time to promote growth and revitalise the economic engine. We are therefore sticking clearly and consistently to the budget path we have mapped out because we are convinced that we will be able to put the state finances in order by following this path. With a joint effort by the federal government, federal states and municipalities, with a clear plan and confidence in the strengths of our country, I am confident that we will also be able to master this challenge - just as we have done in the past."
State Secretary for Deregulation and Bureaucracy Reduction Sepp Schellhorn: "Our joint effort, our joint promise as the Federal Government - to restructure the budget and at the same time take important reform steps for a better future - must now be continued and implemented with drive and courage. Yes, everyone will have to pitch in and no, it won't be a walk in the park for anyone. But only in this way will it be possible to restore the budget to a healthy state and emerge from the process not only reorganised but also modernised and strengthened. In addition, it is essential to quickly relieve the burden where no tax money needs to be spent: on excessive bureaucracy - for more entrepreneurial freedom, so that the business location can be strengthened and jobs and prosperity can be secured."