When Neos state spokesman Felix Eypeltauer is asked about the key points of his work in the state parliament, the answer is short: “Education, location, democracy”. At the halfway point of the legislative period in the state parliament, Eypeltauer looks back and states the goals that he has set himself as the “only real opposition in the state”.
As the smallest parliamentary group with two mandates (Eypeltauer and Julia Bammer), we initiated four current events, made 127 inquiries and submitted 73 motions – “We don’t have the human resources like the major parties, but we’re still putting in the effort.
“Kinderland number one” as “disgraceful”
Eypeltauer criticizes the standstill, which is particularly visible due to the black-blue coalition in the area of child care: “We are still at the bottom, even though the official side emphasizes that everything is getting better anyway.” The planned reduced group size to a maximum of 21 children per group also comes far too late – and falls short. It must finally be clear “that playrooms are not just about keeping children safe, but about the first educational experiences.” These are also important with regard to integration. Eypeltauer calls for “Scandinavian conditions” as the optimum in childcare – in Northern Europe the childcare ratio is 1:10 and is therefore of higher quality.
“We know that something like this won’t be possible overnight, but an ambitious reform plan would at least be a start.” This applies to group size, longer opening times and legal entitlement to care for one-year-old children. According to the Neos state spokesman, this would fail due to an ideological and outdated image of society, which would shape the People’s Party and above all the Freedom Party.
Child care is one of the location factors – the Neos refer to a study that underlines the economic added value. Extended opening hours would create jobs and increase the gross domestic product.
“Missed energy transition at the location”
The expansion of renewable energies has been missed in the state, says Eypeltauer. The use of the potential in the area of wind power fails primarily because of the Freedom Party. “We are currently 70 percent dependent on energy imports, even though the demand is correspondingly high due to the many industrial companies.”
The burden of bureaucracy is also causing problems for the location: the local economy is suffering from outdated laws and unnecessary regulations. Eypeltauer is calling for the hurdles to be reduced and for a “one-stop shop” for setting up companies that should be designed purely digitally.
In view of the shortage of skilled workers and personnel, qualified immigration to the state is also necessary. Facilitated recognition of qualifications would play a role here.
“We consciously address the things that can really be changed at the state level,” says Eypeltauer. Discussions about taxation have no place in the state parliament.
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In the area of transparency, the federal state is currently lagging behind; it finally needs a tool through which citizens can understand which development phase a project is in – something similar has already existed in Vienna for many years.
The proportional system must also be abolished – “as a result there is a lack of parliamentarism in Upper Austria.” There must finally be a clear dividing line between government and opposition; this is the only way parliamentary control will be possible in the future.
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**Interview with Felix Eypeltauer, Neos State Spokesperson**
**Editor:** Felix, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive into your work in the state parliament. You’ve highlighted three key areas: education, location, and democracy. Why are these so crucial for you right now?
**Eypeltauer:** Thank you for having me. These areas are interconnected. Education is the foundation for a successful society; it shapes our future. When we speak about location, we refer to the economic factors that influence job creation and sustainability in our region. Democracy is essential for holding those in power accountable and ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard.
**Editor:** You mentioned the inadequacies in child care under the current administration. Can you elaborate on what changes you advocate for?
**Eypeltauer:** Absolutely. It’s disappointing to see our region ranked low in child care standards. The proposed reduction to a maximum of 21 children per group is a step, but it’s far from enough. We should aim for “Scandinavian conditions” in child care, which provide a much better child-to-caregiver ratio. Education starts from the earliest years, and we must fundamentally rethink our approach to early childhood education.
**Editor:** You’ve also criticized the current energy policies. What steps do you believe should be taken to enhance renewable energy initiatives?
**Eypeltauer:** Currently, we’re too reliant on energy imports, largely due to a lack of support for renewable energies, particularly wind power, which has been stifled by some parties. To address this, we need a comprehensive strategy that embraces all potential renewable energy sources, making our state more self-sufficient and environmentally responsible.
**Editor:** You’ve pointed out bureaucratic hurdles affecting local businesses. What reforms are you proposing?
**Eypeltauer:** We’ve seen how outdated laws can stifle economic growth. My proposal includes creating a “one-stop shop” for businesses that’s fully digital, streamlining processes, and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens. This would make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses right here in our state.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned the need for improved transparency in governance. What specific changes do you advocate for?
**Eypeltauer:** Transparency is vital for public trust. We need a tool that allows citizens to monitor the development stages of state projects—similar to what’s been established in Vienna. Also, abolishing the proportional representation system would enhance parliamentary democracy, ensuring clearer distinctions between the government and opposition roles.
**Editor:** what message do you want to convey as we approach the next phases of the legislative period?
**Eypeltauer:** I want to emphasize that change is possible, even from the smallest parliamentary group like ours. We are committed to advocating for reforms that genuinely improve people’s lives. Whether through advancing childcare, promoting renewable energy, or ensuring government transparency, we will continue to fight for a brighter future for our community.
**Editor:** Thank you, Felix, for sharing your insights and vision for the future.
**Eypeltauer:** Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure.
