
Federal politicians in Austria will not receive a pay rise next year, following an agreement between the People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and NEOS.
The decision, part of ongoing coalition negotiations between the three parties, builds on a previously announced wage freeze for members of parliament. It will include top federal officials, such as the Federal President, government ministers and parliamentary leaders.
The ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS are working on a multi-billion-euro austerity package to address Austria’s significant budget deficit and struggling economy.
While the wage freeze applies to federal politicians, changes at the state and local levels will be decided by each state.
The move was broadly welcomed by party leaders. ÖVP parliamentary leader August Wöginger called it “an important step towards fiscal responsibility.” Philip Kucher of the SPÖ said: “Regardless of who is to blame for the budget crisis, it’s now our joint responsibility to set an example.”
NEOS deputy leader Nikolaus Scherak added: “The public must see that the state is tightening its belt too; otherwise, there will be no support for austerity measures. A wage freeze is the only reasonable option, and we hope states will follow our lead.”