Just in time for the planned presentation of the new members in the National Council on Wednesday morning, Totschnig’s swearing was finally over. In the presence of Chancellor Nehammer and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens), Totschnig spoke the words “I vow” and sealed his new office with his signature.
Van der Bellen identified two major challenges for the new minister: the consequences of the war in Ukraine and climate change. The Ukraine is one of the “granaries of the world”, in the worst possible scenario there would be a grain shortage worldwide – “I can only say ‘fingers crossed’ for all of us”.
The climate crisis is also “in full swing,” emphasized Van der Bellen, “whether we want to admit it or not.” For example, you can see the effects with the naked eye at the low water level in Lake Neusiedl. “We have such a beautiful country”, the importance of agriculture and forestry cannot be overestimated. The Federal President wished Totschnig “all the best and much success”.
After his swearing-in, Totschnig hurried into the plenary hall, where he and State Secretaries Tursky and Kraus-Winkler were introduced to the mandataries by the government leadership.
Various resolutions are also pending in the National Council, such as the increase in student grants or changes in social assistance, which will allow the states to adopt somewhat more generous rules. Budgetary provisions must be made, especially because of the Ukraine war. A deficit of 3.1 percent of GDP is scheduled for this year instead of the 2.3 percent planned when the budget was drawn up. Various special corona rules will be extended, from vaccinations by paramedics to the basis for carrying out screening programs.