Meinl-Reisinger in the ORF Summer Talk: "We're Cleaning Up Now"

NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger participated in the second round of the ORF "Summer Talks" on Monday evening. The Foreign Minister emphasized further reform necessities in the government and highlighted her party as a reform engine. "We NEOS are certainly the drivers of reforms," she said - and referred, among other things, to a mandatory summer school for extraordinary students starting next year.

"Fateful Question" Identified

When asked - with reference to rather poor values in terms of citizen proximity - whether the NEOS lacked "social warmth," Meinl-Reisinger denied it. The drive of the NEOS is always to enable citizens to live a good and self-determined life. "No party like the NEOS is so committed to lifting people's wings in the education system," she referred to a core issue of her party. "An education system that ensures we leave too many children behind is a social issue - also a fateful question when looking at integration."

Consequently, she also referred to the plan already announced in the "Kronen Zeitung" that the "next step" should be mandatory German courses in the summer - specifically for students with insufficient language skills. Already in the government program, the coalition parties ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS had stipulated this measure under budget reservation. Across Austria, 48,450 extraordinary students attend German support classes, but currently only 17 percent use the summer school. "We want to change that - so that all students can start the new school year with strengthened German skills," Meinl-Reisinger explained before her TV appearance in the "Krone."

"Drivers of Reforms"

Regarding the budget, the NEOS leader also presented herself as a reform driver. Asked about doubts whether the plans presented so far would be sufficient, she said: "We have encountered a difficult situation, both in terms of the budget and economically. We are not to blame for this, we are now tidying up and putting things back in order." And: "We NEOS are certainly drivers of reforms." At the same time, she acted as a warning voice: The crisis is "certainly deeper than many believe." "Only if we become competitive again, if we increase our productivity, will we be able to master it."

At the same time, she did not want to downplay the steps taken: "This year we have savings amounting to seven billion and next year ten." Among them are also "offensive measures." "That means we are on a good path here," she said. "But it's true, I believe that we need even stronger ambition in the government."

Meinl-Reisinger also referred to the government retreat planned for the fall. Here, they are in "close contact with the Finance Minister." A new stability pact is needed because it only helps to a limited extent if the federal government commits to the budget figures, but a deficit comes from the states. She positively highlighted the "reform partnership" agreed upon between the federal government, states, and municipalities, stating that it is now about initiating structural reforms.

Pensions and Inflation

On the topic of pensions, she once again emphasized the NEOS position that a higher retirement age is considered necessary in the long term - although this will only be possible with the coalition after the next election. "You can rely on us to keep pushing," she wants to position her party as a reform driver here as well. She also wants to strengthen "personal responsibility" in the pension sector by enhancing the second and third pillars with a general pension fund contract. She did not want to "preempt" the issue of upcoming pension adjustments.

Regarding inflation, Meinl-Reisinger wants to focus on the energy sector, with "several" laws already on the way. "We aim to enable more competition and empower consumers." For example, with monthly billing, consumers could be motivated to switch more between providers. Price interventions - such as with food - are seen by the NEOS leader as counterproductive, and she relies on competition.

Concerning the ambassador affair in the Foreign Ministry involving obscene blog entries by an Austrian ambassador and a data leak that became known last week, Meinl-Reisinger said the data leak has been resolved. No central IT systems were affected. Regarding the ambassador, she reacted immediately, recalled him, and set up a commission, she emphasized. She strongly opposes the idea that an entire department with "excellent diplomats" is now being discredited.

Middle East Also a Topic

Regarding the Gaza conflict, Meinl-Reisinger said Austria stands "clearly for a two-state solution." "This has been expressed every time, in every conversation and appointment with the Israeli Foreign Minister, with whom I have also spoken very often in recent weeks, especially because of the humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza," she said. She considers it important to truly ensure peace in this region now. "And that can only happen if there is a future in security for Israel, for Jews worldwide and especially in Israel - but also for the Palestinians in Palestinian territories."

(APA/Red)

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