Sharp criticism today expressed FPÖ defense speakers Abg. Ing. Mag. Volker Reifenberger on the lost export chance of the weapon manufacturer Steyr Arm. Due to bureaucratic hurdles, a potential millions of Tunisia fell through: “It is unbelievable that domestic companies are hindered by their own government at a time of record inflation, record insolvency and economic growth!”
The traditional Austrian company was unable to deliver four sample assault rifles to Tunisia due to the lack of permits from the Interior and Foreign Ministry- a potential order in the volume of 9.5 million euros plus spare parts for a further 20 to 25 million euros. “Here-seeing eyes are driven against the wall, while ministries get stuck in the bureaucracy jungle,” said Reifenberger.
“This is economic suicide. Instead of promoting exports, they are prevented – and that from a traditional company that holds jobs and added value in the country and plays a central role in arming our army,” emphasized Reifenberger.
Reifenberger also referred to the discrepancy between government rhetoric and reality: “The losing ambulance talks about deregulation, but at the same time blows its government apparatus. While the ministries are expanding and creating new positions, the businesses remain in a dense network of regulations and bureaucracy. ‘Social’ SPÖ.
It takes rapid, transparent and unbureaucratic handling of such procedures to prevent economic disadvantages and to create clarity for domestic businesses. “We have therefore called for an independent, depoliticized one-stop shop that quickly and unbureaucratically handled export permits. Only in this way can we ensure that companies have planning security and jobs are not endangered,” says Reifenberger.
The complete disinterest of the federal government is particularly scandalous for Reifenberger: “The company wrote letters to all key ministries, but has not received an answer. While you stir the trunk in Brussels and send generous money gifts abroad, you leave your own economy and domestic companies in the rain!”
“This once again shows the failure of the ÖVP-led losing ramps, which prefers to pursue politics for an end in itself, deregulation sermon and bureaucracy. This is not a location policy, but a location policy. Ministeries that do not react to the concerns of domestic business drivers for weeks are not only inefficient, but also dangerous for our businesses. Business location makes it fit again.