Austria (Bureau Report) In the current hour in the National Council, the SPÖ asked Federal Chancellor Kurz the crucial question: “Who pays the costs of the Corona crisis?” For us it is clear:
The horrific costs of this crisis must not be passed on to the employees alone. Austria’s employees already pay 80 percent of the tax revenue. So it has to be a matter of “ finally everyone making a fair contribution and broader shoulders bearing greater burdens!” SPÖ Boss Dr Pamela Rendi-Wagner made clear in her speech. She therefore calls for a tax system that ensures more equitable distribution in Austria. “One thing is definitely not enough: applauding the heroes of the Corona crisis and then serving them the big crisis calculation!”, Rendi-Wagner made clear. We therefore demand a fair tax system that relieves the burden on small and medium incomes
fair taxes on millions in wealth and millions in inheritances international online multinationals must finally be held accountable through a solidarity tax. Tax loopholes must finally be closed”These contributions are necessary right now so that we can equip Austria for the future despite the enormous costs of the crisis, strengthen the welfare state and remain competitive through investments,” explains Rendi-Wagner. “The good news is that wealth in Austria is growing. The bad news is that not everyone benefits, ”says Rendi-Wagner. On the contrary: Poverty has increased enormously in Austria as a result of the crisis, currently around 1.5 million people are at risk of poverty or live in poverty. Women, single parents and the long-term unemployed in particular, but also people who go to work, are coming under increasing pressure. “The rope ladder of social advancement is as good as broken,” says Dr Pamela Rendi-Wagner. The richest percent of the population currently owns 40 percent of the wealth! “This crisis has a few winners, but many more losers”, stresses Rendi-Wagner and demands: “We have to talk about that!”This social inequality is dangerous for our whole society because it threatens our social peace. And a society in which it is not fair “will also lag behind economically and be torn apart by internal conflicts,” warns Rendi-Wagner. “What is our social peace worth to us?” Asks Rendi-Wagner. She is convinced that many wealthy people are also ready to “make a contribution to maintaining social peace”. The cost of the crisis is enormous and it has to be paid for. For Rendi-Wagner it is clear: “Right now we have to ensure fair distribution. This is not a question of ideology, but of fairness and reason! “
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