Finance Minister Marterbauer discusses situation with Federal President – Diepresse.com

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) spoke to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen about the budget situation and the negotiations on the double budget for 2025 and 2026 as well as the tariffs imposed by the USA. The conversation took place on Tuesday as part of the regular exchange of the head of state with the government members.

It was agreed that the US tariffs were an additional burden on domestic and European economy. « For Austria as an export -oriented country in the heart of Europe, the transatlantic axis to the USA – our second most important trading partner worldwide – is very important, » said van der Bellen. Europe now has to provide the « best possible solution » together. And Marterbauer also emphasized that the European continent must now stand on the « hind legs ». « Europe’s strength is the combination of a large and functioning economic system and well -developed welfare states. »

Consolidation of the state budget « exhausting task »

But the consolidation of the budget was also an issue. The careful handling of the state budget and its consolidation is a « particularly responsible and exhausting task, » said van der Bellen. The « look at the whole » and the balancing of different interests is necessary.

Among other things, Marterbauer identified the weak economic development, which have a negative impact on the budgets of the federal government, the states and communities. A « overall effort », Marterbauer emphasized once again. To do this, everyone will have to make their contribution to this. (APA)