“We will have to take a few unpopular measures so that Austria can get back on the growth path,” said the economic researcher on Sunday in the ORF “press hour”.
Felbermayr would start with property tax, diesel privileges and mineral oil tax. The retirement age should be raised slowly.Vienna. Felbermayr pointed out that Austria would have to comply with the Maastricht requirements again and that it would also need active measures, for example in the areas of care or labor market qualifications: “What we need is a clear reform agenda.” Given the circumstances of the past few years, it is clear that the trouble spots cost prosperity: “We have to tighten our belts a little.”
- On the need for a savings package:
Felbermayr would also tweak the taxes: “Nobody likes a tax increase.” On the other hand, one must consider that, for example, the mineral oil tax has not been increased since 2011, but at the same time inflation has grown by 40 percent. In real terms, it has fallen every year.
- On the abolition of the diesel privilege:
The Wifo boss is therefore of the opinion that something could definitely be done at MÖSt. One could also “take a cautious step” when it comes to diesel privileges. An increase in property tax rates could be interesting for any coalition negotiations between the ÖVP and SPÖ: “Something could be done about that.” Since the property tax is a wealth tax, one side can claim that it has achieved something here and the other can claim that it has prevented a real wealth tax. Felbermayr also thinks little of the latter.
The economic researcher does not want to express any preference regarding the composition of the next government. However, he emphasized that a coalition of three parties is “complex”, as seen in Germany. The Wifo boss did not confirm that he would prefer blue and black, especially since the ÖVP and SPÖ also had a majority, albeit a narrow one: “I’m not getting involved in that.”
- Which coalition makes economic sense?
Felbermayr once again advocated raising the retirement age to 67, albeit at a cautious pace. According to his ideas, this would not be completed until 2044. The second and third pillars, i.e. occupational and private pension provision, also need to be strengthened.
- Concepts for the pension system:
The Wifo boss recommends a measured approach to the civil service pay round. We will have to consider whether public servants should show restraint.
- The “Benya formula” as the basis for wage negotiations:
Felbermayr himself has no plans for a political career: “Schuster stick to your guns has something.” If the Chancellor called him and asked him whether he wanted to become finance minister, he would say “no.”
- Political ambitions: “Division of labor makes sense”
