SPÖ: Lindner and Hergovich with criticism of statements by Stelzer and Mikl-Leitner

Following a cross-border event organized by the Industrial Association, Mag. Thomas Stelzer, Governor of Upper Austria, Mag.a Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of Lower Austria, DI Stefan Pierer, President of the Industrial Association of Upper Austria, and Kari Ochsner, President of the Industrial Association of Lower Austria, spoke together today about the reform demands of the industrial association in front of the press in Upper Austria.

SPÖ Upper Austria Chairman State Councilor Michael Lindner
“I would like to remind you that the ÖVP has not made a decision on electricity price compensation in order to secure jobs in the energy-intensive industry and maintain competitiveness. The ÖVP-led federal government also still owes price protection measures in the natural gas sector to absorb any price shocks caused by developments in natural gas transit. Especially now, when unemployment is rising and uncertainties in the industry are increasing, it is crucial to act quickly. However, the cuts in the AMS budget in Upper Austria, which particularly affect young people and the economically weaker, are making the situation even worse. The shortage of skilled workers cannot be combated by reducing further training and reintegration measures. Providing functioning infrastructure is also important. It is significant that the ÖVP state governors of Upper and Lower Austria emphasize the importance of infrastructure for industry, but at the same time there is a threat of a total closure of the Mauthausen Danube bridge because this important renewal project is not being pushed forward in time enough by ÖVP officials in the states. We as the SPÖ also emphasize that integration must take priority over further immigration. The existing integration structures of the states must be improved in order to better support migrants who live here legally in their entry into the world of work,” said SPÖ-Upper Austrian Chairman, State Councilor Michael Lindner.

SPÖ Lower Austria State Chairman Control State Councilor Sven Hergovich
“For many months we have seen unemployment rising and the economy slowing. The decision of the black-green federal government not to combat inflation has proven to be a fatal mistake. We are paying for it with loss of prosperity and creeping deindustrialization. That’s why I welcome the cross-border initiative for our industry. But it is also important to note that nice words are not enough. It is good when ÖVP state governors appeal to the ÖVP chancellor. It’s better to do something yourself. You also have to act on your own responsibility. Enough employment-intensive activity would be possible in infrastructure, housing or flood protection. Neglecting infrastructure and then, as many media reports, being at the mercy of flooding, as happened in Tullnerfeld, is enormously damaging to people and our economy. Instead of warm words, I advocate investments in infrastructure and a training offensive. Modern labor market policy, such as that represented by the Marienthal job guarantee project, increases potential in the labor market, helps the economy and gives the unemployed new perspectives,” said SPÖ-NÖ chairman, Control State Councilor Sven Hergovich.