WKÖ-General Danninger for "Fairness Package"

After a commission of experts appointed by Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) to combat fraud presented an initial package of measures last week, corresponding demands are now coming from the Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ). Secretary General Jochen Danninger (ÖVP) wants to "expand the fraud prevention package into a true fairness package," as he told the APA. This involves a "future-proof social system." Support for this came from the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV).

To guarantee such a system, "those willing to perform must be given security" by preventing social abuse. Assistance should only be given to those who truly need it, not to "freeloaders." Every lost euro is missing for important future investments. The Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) supported the WKÖ's stance: "It is important to us to establish fairness and avoid one-sided burdens on employers; rather, it is essential to strengthen trust in the system as a whole."

Demand from Danninger

"If the Finance Minister is truly serious about combating fraud, he cannot ignore social abuse," demands the WKÖ Secretary General, who previously served as a politician as the ÖVP parliamentary group leader in the Lower Austrian state parliament, regional minister for economic affairs in Lower Austria, and state secretary in the Ministry of Finance.

There is a need for "consistent sanctions for deliberate job obstruction," according to Danninger. Regarding sick leave, it is about "reporting obligations and control" with nationwide uniform controls, "mandatory checks in case of suspicion," and generally stricter examinations by the health insurance fund. This is intended to curb "billion-dollar damages." Those who are sick should recover in peace, but those who "extend the weekend enrich themselves at everyone's expense."

Social Benefit Fraud Increased

Last year, according to Danninger, there were 4,865 cases of social benefit fraud, which represents an increase of 9.1 percent compared to 2023. Since 2018, damages amounting to 135 million euros have been incurred. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, believes Danninger, as the unreported number is likely to be much higher. Sick leave costs 5.8 billion euros annually, causing up to 8.5 billion euros in value-added losses. Additionally, since the year 2000, sick leave days per employee have increased by three to 15 days, according to the Chamber of Commerce representative.

Since last Thursday, discussions have been ongoing at the coalition level regarding the previous proposals. These include the abolition of the input tax deduction for luxury real estate and the right to access the account register in investigations against shell companies. Also planned is an automatic exchange of crypto income within the framework of the EU administrative assistance directive.

1.4 Billion Through Fraud Prevention

By the end of the legislative period in 2029, the Ministry of Finance aims to save a total of 1.4 billion through more effective fraud prevention. The value increases year by year. By 2029, 450 million should already be effective in the budget, which is 180 million more than in the coming year.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.