Nehammer: "My goal is that we close this gap now"

2023-09-04 20:00:00

It was a lesson in political communication. Chancellor Karl Nehammer (VP) had a specific announcement at the ORF summer talks in his luggage, even moderator Susanne Schnabl seemed briefly surprised.

Right at the beginning, the chancellor announced a kindergarten package. By 2030, 4.5 billion euros are to flow into the expansion of childcare. There is a supply gap in childcare places, especially for the youngest in Austria, said Nehammer. “My goal is for us to close this gap now.” The Chamber of Commerce recently requested 6.32 billion euros by 2030.

Nehammer wants to use the money to expand the infrastructure and increase the number of employees. It is not start-up financing for the communities, the money should be used to cover the actual personnel costs. The Chancellor conceded that the effort involved in caring for one to three-year-old children in particular was disproportionately greater. The opening hours are also to be significantly extended in order to improve the compatibility of work and family. For the time being, Nehammer does not want to implement a legal entitlement to a childcare place, as has been demanded for a long time. The expansion would have to take place first.

way of the middle

Nehammer sees itself in line with the green coalition partner when it comes to inflation. “As the federal government, we have agreed to take the middle path.” Measures have been taken to increase purchasing power. The social benefits have been adjusted for inflation, the cold progression has been abolished and, after the energy cap, a rent cap is now also being implemented. Away from old buildings and cooperative apartments, it is difficult for the state to intervene in free leases. However, we are still looking for a quick solution.

Nehammer repeatedly pointed out that it was easy to attack the government, but one also had to look at its achievements. Austria has no recession, long-term unemployment has halved, young people have every opportunity when choosing a job. “Criticism alone is useless,” he warned.
The high dependency on Russian gas was also discussed in the summer talks. The Chancellor explained that due to the contracts with Gazprom, which run until 2040, Austria is currently getting 60 percent of its gas from Russia. The alternative would be to burn it off somewhere. Work is currently underway to further reduce dependency. But Austria’s priority is energy supply. “It’s morally uncomfortable, but it has to be done.” The position on Russia is nevertheless clear: “Neutrality doesn’t mean turning a blind eye where crimes are happening.”

reasons for exclusion

Nehammer sharply criticized FP chairman Herbert Kickl. He again described him as a security risk – whether as a former interior minister who had acted against the protection of the constitution, whether as the head of the opposition who recommended wrong medication against Corona or now agitating against the “Sky Shield” security umbrella. “There will be no government with Karl Nehammer as chancellor with Herbert Kickl, not even as a minister,” promised the VP boss.

At the end he called for confidence: “Pessimism does not overcome a crisis.”

Legislative projects and Figl comparisons

Chancellor Karl Nehammer confirmed in the ORF summer talks that the turquoise-green government would continue to work for the full legislative period. The chance that the turquoise-green government will pass a climate protection law shouldn’t be too great. “We told the Greens that we need a climate protection law with common sense,” said Nehammer. When it comes to the climate, you have to act globally. It won’t help if Europe is the only continent to ban the internal combustion engine. On the other hand, he was optimistic about the Freedom of Information Act: it was 90 percent complete.

Nehammer was pleased that the trial against his predecessor would begin in October. “I believe in Sebastian Kurz’s innocence,” said Nehammer. He trusts the independent judiciary. In any case, it was not an easy year for the People’s Party.

At the end, ORF presenter Susanne Schnabl presented Nehammer with a pad and pencil from the stenographic department in Parliament. Schnabl wanted to know which sentence stood for him. Nehammer borrowed from the former VP Chancellor Leopold Figl, who had demanded after the Second World War: “Believe in this Austria.” Even now, after the pandemic, war and high inflation, it is about not losing this belief.