Martha Schultz takes over interim leadership in the Chamber of Commerce and ÖVP Business Association

The Tyrolean entrepreneur Martha Schultz (ÖVP) will take over the responsibilities of the resigned Harald Mahrer in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce and the ÖVP Economic Association starting Saturday. Schultz wants to "now show that the Chamber of Commerce is ready to change," she writes to employees and officials. The seriousness of the situation for the Chamber of Commerce has been recognized.

In the Chamber of Commerce, Schultz will become the acting president, and in the ÖVP Association, the acting leader, as announced by the Chamber and the Economic Association. Schultz is considered well-connected within the People's Party. The 62-year-old tourism expert was already Mahrer's deputy.

The next regular meetings of the state leaders of the Economic Association and Chambers of Commerce will take place on November 26 and 27. On November 27, Schultz is expected to be appointed in the Economic Parliament of the WKÖ.

Schultz: "Understood how serious the situation is"

"We have understood how serious the current situation is for our organization - for our credibility and for our important role as a strong representative of interests," Schultz writes on Friday afternoon in an email to employees and officials of the Chamber of Commerce, which is available to the APA. She refers to her entrepreneurial activity, stating she is well acquainted with the "feeling of being the first to get up in the morning and still being in the office late at night." Therefore, she takes on the role as WKÖ leader.

However, she only wants to do this until a "new appointment" is made. Such an appointment is expected to occur within weeks or at the latest months. "With this knowledge and the goal that unites us all, to now consistently work on our credibility and strength, I will accompany our organization through the next period."

Despite the temporary role, Schultz announces WKÖ reforms. Such reforms were strongly demanded by the Federation of Austrian Industries just on Friday. "We must now show that the Chamber of Commerce is ready to change. Not someday, but now."

Thanks to officials and employees, no mention of Mahrer

The chamber belongs to the entrepreneurs, not the headlines, Schultz thanked the recipients for their commitment. Mahrer did not mention them with a single word. The last few days had "hurt the Chamber of Commerce." "I will do everything in my power to give you the support you need now."

Tyrol retracts salary increases

The Tyrolean Economic Association announced on Friday evening, following criticism of the salary increase for Tyrol's Chamber of Commerce President Barbara Thaler (ÖVP), that the increase in compensation for officials would be retracted. "This is an important step to regain credibility. It was the wrong time," said Thaler. This is to be implemented in the federal state, even though there was no consensus among the state chambers. Tyrol also advocates for a nationwide solution of a 2.1 percent salary increase for employees in 2026 - while simultaneously demanding a zero-salary round for the management level in all chambers of commerce. The federal state is already in a reform process and also urged courage for reforms at the federal level.

There was fierce criticism of the planned increase in Thaler's compensation as the state chamber head from 6,400 to 10,000 euros per month. Calls for resignation from political competitors were also voiced on Thursday. With the corresponding announcement of a retraction, Thaler apparently wanted to take the wind out of these calls' sails.

Stocker: Recognize the signs of the times

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) emphasized on Friday evening that Mahrer, with his resignation, "cleared the way for a reorganization" of the Chamber of Commerce. With Martha Schultz, an experienced entrepreneur takes over the business on an interim basis. "I expect everyone in the Chamber of Commerce to understand and quickly address the causes of the great loss of trust. The Chamber of Commerce must recognize the signs of the times. This applies to salary increases as well as to the necessary streamlining of structures and a contribution to relieving companies," said the Federal Chancellor.

Mahrer had to step down

Mahrer had to step down, having lost support within his own ranks. The reason was salary increases for chamber employees significantly above inflation, very high increases in compensation for presidium members in the chambers of commerce, and accompanying failed communication. There was also criticism of Mahrer's multiple incomes. It was not enough that he announced his withdrawal as National Bank President; ultimately, he had to resign from his positions as WKÖ and Economic Association chief. The Economic Association is an important sub-organization of the People's Party.

(APA/Red)

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