"Austria has one of the best and safest pension systems," said the club chairman of the SPÖ Burgenland, Roland Fürst, referring to data showing that pension expenditures would only increase by 0.4 percent by 2070. Fürst sees the "apparent necessity" of the federal government for pension measures as rooted in the budget deficit, for which the previous government and "primarily the ÖVP" are responsible. Therefore, the burden of rehabilitation should not lie with the pensioners.

Constitutional Steps Possible for SPÖ Burgenland

The Burgenland SPÖ is strictly against the sustainability mechanism provided for in the government program as well as against a statutory increase in the retirement age. The latter is not enshrined, but the ÖVP and NEOS would advocate for it, Fürst further noted. "We reserve the right to take constitutional steps," he referred to the announcement by Governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ). It is still too early for details, but the measures will be closely examined. However, Fürst emphasized: "If the protection of trust is violated, we are also considering a lawsuit, regardless of how the federal government is composed."

However, measures in the area of pensions are indeed necessary, such as an adjustment of the salary and pension gap between men and women. Fürst also insisted on maintaining the valorization of pension account credits. The SPÖ is newly in a coalition with the Greens in the state, and the resolution motion was also coordinated with them. "The Greens fully support us, of course," said Fürst. After the inaugural session of the new state parliament and the one where Doskozil's government declaration was the focus, the upcoming session is now the first working session.

(APA/Red)

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