Schaeffler Plant Closure in Berndorf Deals Blow To Austrian Jobs
Berndorf, Austria – In a stark blow to the region’s economy, Schaeffler, an automotive parts manufacturer, has announced the closure of its factory in Berndorf, leaving 450 employees facing job losses. This news comes just one day after the bankruptcy of motorcycle manufacturer KTM, further fueling anxieties about Austria’s economic stability.
Schaeffler Cites Economic Policy as Factor in Decision
Michael Sommer, Freedom Economics Spokesman, attributed the closure to what he termed “fatal reckoning” with the current federal government’s economic policies.
“Not a day goes by without bad economic news,” Sommer lamented, commenting on the plant closure. “The company’s justification is a fatal reckoning with the economic policy of the black-green federal government.”
Freedom Party Criticizes Government Policies
The Freedom Party has long voiced concerns about the direction of Austria’s economy. Sommer accused the current government, which they called “the most anti-business federal government of all time,” of burdening Austrian companies instead of providing relief for both employees and employers.
“Instead of relieving employees and employers, the most anti-business federal government of all time has only burdened Austria’s companies with the gravedigger Gewessler, keyword CO2 – punitive tax, keyword supply chain law, keyword renaturation. The plant closure is 100 percent the responsibility of the worst federal government of all time,” Sommer stated, further criticizing the outgoing government.
Call for Policy Reversal and New Negotiations
The Freedom Party Party spokesperson urged a dramatic shift in economic policies. “The Marxist, anti-business ideas of the Babler-SPÖ are only leading our economy further into the abyss. There needs to be a 180-degree turnaround in economic policy and not a red continuation of Gewessler’s eco-Marxist economic destruction,” Sommer said. He also called for an immediate halt to ongoing government negotiations with the SPÖ, which he accused of being detrimental to Austria’s business climate.
“We cannot allow this trend to continue,” Sommer insisted. “Our economy needs a lifeline, and that means a fundamental change in the way we approach business development and support.”
What are the potential broader economic consequences of this plant closure for the local community and the Austrian economy as a whole?
## Interview: Schaeffler Plant Closure in Berndorf Raises Economic Concerns
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re discussing the recent news of the Schaeffler plant closing in Berndorf, Austria, leaving 450 workers facing unemployment. This comes on the heels of the KTM bankruptcy just the day before. Joining us to discuss the economic implications is Michael Sommer, Spokesman for Freedom Economics. Michael, thank you for joining us.
**Michael Sommer:** My pleasure. It’s a dire situation. This closure reflects a worrying trend and necessitates a deeper look at the current economic policies.
**Host:** Schaeffler cites economic policy as a factor in their decision. Can you elaborate on that?
**Michael Sommer:** Yes, this isn’t just about one company – it’s symptomatic of a larger issue. We see this “fatal reckoning” [[1](https://www.diepresse.com/19117456/schaeffler-schliesst-werk-im-niederoesterreichischen-berndorf-ende-2025-450-betroffene)]with the current government’s policies. Businesses are struggling under the weight of regulations, taxes, and a lack of long-term economic vision.
**Host:** This closure, coupled with the KTM bankruptcy, seems to suggest significant economic instability in Austria. What are your concerns?
**Michael Sommer:** Those are valid concerns. These events create a ripple effect, impacting not only the directly affected workers and their families but also the broader community and local economy.
**Host:** What solutions do you propose?
**Michael Sommer:** We need bold, decisive action. This includes tax relief for businesses, a reduction in burdensome regulations, and a clear, long-term economic strategy that fosters growth and innovation. We need to create an environment where businesses can thrive, not just survive.
**Host:** Michael Sommer from Freedom Economics, thank you for your insightful commentary. We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops.