OeNB Chief Kocher Reacts to Mahrer Withdrawal

"From our perspective, a seamless transition is important," said OeNB Governor Martin Kocher on Tuesday at a press conference on the Financial Stability Report of the Austrian National Bank. "From the statements I know, I gather that this is exactly what is being aimed for."

OeNB Chief Kocher: Government Responsible for Compensation for OeNB Supervisory Board Members

"The President (Mahrer; note) has announced his intention to resign from his position soon," said Kocher. "This is not a decision that the board (headed by Kocher; note) can influence or interpret." According to the coalition agreement of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, the right to propose the OeNB President lies with Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP). The proposal for the Vice President position lies with Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ). The current Vice President is ÖGB Managing Director Ingrid Reischl.

From Stocker's office, it was stated on Tuesday afternoon in response to an APA inquiry that it is now necessary to wait until Mahrer actually resigns from his position as OeNB President. However, the succession will be "ensured in a timely manner."

Recently, there was also criticism because Mahrer, as OeNB President, received 88,000 euros per year in addition to his salary as WKÖ President. Kocher commented: "It is customary for us to have compensation in supervisory boards that carry such high responsibility." This "can be discussed," but it is not the OeNB that sets this compensation; rather, the federal government is also called upon here. The National Bank is one hundred percent owned by the federal government.

(APA/Red)

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