National Council debates 2027/2028 double budget and EABG

EABG: Agreement with the Greens in sight

Until recently, it was unclear whether the Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act (EABG) would secure a two-thirds majority. The Greens are now expected to approve it, although they had previously criticized the expansion targets for renewable energies set out in the law as too low. The aim of the legislative proposal is to accelerate the procedures for the construction and operation of energy installations and to designate sufficient areas for their infrastructure. Each federal state is also to meet assigned generation contribution values for photovoltaics, wind, and hydropower.

FPÖ criticism of the budget course

Sharp words came from the FPÖ. Party leader Kickl stated that the fundamental elements of the planning for the 2027 and 2028 double budget were wrong. Families and pensioners would be burdened while the mountain of debt continued to grow. The budget was built on "outdated and incorrect" economic forecasts, Kickl continued. Reducing the deficit to three percent by 2028 would not be enough to escape the "budgetary mess," he said, while there was no economic growth and no upswing.

Kickl also attacked the finance minister personally, saying that in Marterbauer's eyes, Kickl "saw the hammer and sickle sparkle." He addressed Marterbauer with "Thanks for nothing" and warned of asset and inheritance taxes desired by Marterbauer; further burdens were to be expected. The criticism also targeted the finding that Marterbauer had aligned his budget speech with the previous government.

Other items on the agenda

In addition to the budget, other topics were on the National Council's agenda. The Council is also discussing the 2025 Annual Report of the Austrian Ombudsman Board as well as FPÖ motions on the topics of "Papamonat" (paternity leave for fathers) and neutrality.

The budget is to be adopted in July, according to the parliamentary documents. Further negotiations and readings in the plenary are required in the meantime. The agreement with the Greens on the EABG would be a politically important signal, as the law requires a two-thirds majority and therefore needs support beyond the coalition's votes.

The debate once again highlighted the tensions between the governing parties and the opposition on budget policy. While the coalition is pursuing a course of consolidation through 2028, the FPÖ sees this as an insufficient response to the economic situation and social burdens.