Cheap Electricity Act Comes to Ministerial Council

NEOS club chairman Yannick Shetty emphasized the necessity of the Electricity Industry Act (ElWG) for lower prices. Adoption could occur at the beginning of 2026 if an opposition party agrees. The National Council would need to assign the Cheap Electricity Act to the plenary on Wednesday to vote in December. Alternatively, a special session could be convened, which is currently not planned.

Council of Ministers Without Flat Tax for Working Pensioners

There will likely be no decision at the Council of Ministers on the flat tax on additional earnings for pensioners, originally planned for 2026. There is still no agreement within the coalition and no finalized draft law, according to the Ministry of Finance on Monday. An implementation from January 1, 2026, as announced, is becoming increasingly unlikely due to the necessary parliamentary procedures. There is apparently still disagreement within the coalition on whether the low tax rate (flat tax) should only apply to employees or, as the ÖVP demands, also to the self-employed. A postponement of the measure would contribute to consolidation in light of bleak budget prospects, with the government having budgeted 300 million euros for the measure in 2026.

Law Against "Shrinkflation" in Preparation

The SPÖ wants to discuss fraud prevention, health reform, and taxes on tobacco products in addition to energy issues. A new law against "shrinkflation," meaning smaller package contents at the same or even higher prices, has already been announced. The draft is to be submitted to parliament immediately, but it cannot yet be adopted there. Other recent topics included the planned headscarf ban, an amendment in school law, and a zero salary round for top politicians in the federal government.

(APA/Red)

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