A waiting period of 3 years is imposed to receive social assistance
In a summer interview on ORF, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) announced a major reform package that the government will implement in the fall, covering the economy, the social assistance system, housing, and energy.
The most important point in his speech was the allocation of one billion euros to stimulate the economy, through increasing tax exemptions for local companies, granting energy bonuses in the industrial sector, and tax facilities for institutions. The government aims to achieve economic growth of at least 1% by 2026.
To combat inflation, Stoker pledged that state fees, such as passport fees, would not rise by more than 2%. The increase in regulated rents will be capped at 1%. Regarding pensions, he suggested that the increase should be less than the inflation rate of 2.7%, setting a target of 2%, while ensuring that those on minimum pensions receive the full increase. Regarding energy, Stoker revealed a plan to unify most of the 114 electricity network operators into an entity similar to "Netz-Asfinag", which will make electricity distribution more efficient and less costly.
As for social assistance, there will be radical changes by September, as the amounts allocated to large families will be reduced, and the amounts reaching up to 9,000 euros per month, as is the case in Wien (Vienna), will be terminated. Stoker explained that "those who have not contributed anything cannot receive everything," announcing a three-year waiting period before being able to receive social assistance.
Stoker also emphasized that Austria is not a place for the application of Sharia rules, and announced the government's intention to introduce a law banning the wearing of hijabs for girls under the age of 14.