2024-11-04 10:18:00
Tyrol‘s governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) massively questioned the climate bonus in the run-up to the state finance conference on Wednesday. The bonus was “neither accurate nor socially fair,” he told the “Tiroler Tageszeitung” (Monday edition). The payment has recently come under repeated criticism, and some have called for its abolition.
“People don’t need handouts from the state, but rather a functioning state with good education and care offerings, a functioning healthcare system and a social safety net for those who really need it,” said Mattle. The state must be an “enabler instead of a subsidy provider”.
The climate bonus was introduced by the turquoise-green federal government as part of the eco-social tax reform. This was accompanied by an additional tax on CO2 emissions. The climate bonus was intended to reduce the tax burden on the population.
However, according to “TT”, Mattle now wants to convert the CO2 tax into a joint federal tax. This would bring Tyrol around 30 million euros. “With the money saved, the federal government can then start to stimulate the economy and consolidate public budgets,” said the state leader, who also referred to the tight budgets of states and municipalities.
For the Green Tyrolean National Councilor Barbara Neßler, Mattle’s initiative is “reaching deep into the populist magician’s hat”. “He should at least have the honesty and say that he is in favor of a tax increase through the back door,” she said in a press release. If the climate bonus is no longer used as a compensation payment for CO2 pricing, “an additional tax will ultimately remain.” During the election campaign, the ÖVP “missed no opportunity to rail against any tax increase, and now this.” As an ÖVP voter she would “feel beautifully planted”.
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**Interview with Tyrol’s Governor Anton Mattle on the Climate Bonus Debate**
**Editor:** Welcome, Governor Mattle. It’s great to have you here. As we approach the state finance conference, you’ve raised significant questions about the climate bonus. Can you elaborate on your concerns?
**Governor Mattle:** Thank you for having me. My concerns stem from the sustainability and effectiveness of the climate bonus. While the intention behind it is laudable, we need to ensure that the funds allocated are being utilized effectively to genuinely promote climate action and support our citizens.
**Editor:** That’s an important point. Some argue that such bonuses can incentivize positive environmental behaviors. How do you see that balance?
**Governor Mattle:** Incentives are crucial, but they must be well-designed. If a climate bonus doesn’t lead to measurable reductions in carbon emissions or improvements in local environmental conditions, we risk undermining public trust and wasting resources. We have to ask ourselves whether this bonus translates to real, tangible benefits for the environment.
**Editor:** You mentioned trust. How do you think this debate impacts public perceptions of climate initiatives?
**Governor Mattle:** Trust is paramount. If people feel that climate initiatives are just financial handouts without accountability, we may lose the support necessary for broader environmental policies. Transparency and engagement with the public in these discussions is key.
**Editor:** As you prepare for the finance conference, what outcomes are you hoping for regarding the climate bonus?
**Governor Mattle:** I hope to see a thorough evaluation of the climate bonus and discussions around modifications. We need a nuanced approach that prioritizes long-term sustainability, fosters genuine environmental change, and serves the interests of our communities effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you, Governor Mattle. It will be interesting to see how this discussion unfolds at the conference and how it shapes future climate strategies in Tyrol.
**Governor Mattle:** Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to the dialogue.
