Nationalrat debates family budget: Opposition criticizes lack of indexation

Coalition defends budget course

ÖVP family spokesperson Norbert Sieber rejected the criticism, pointing out that 7.5 percent of all disbursements flowed into the family sector. He described this figure as an absolute peak value in European comparison. The coalition also emphasized that sufficient funds would continue to flow into the family sector.

On the Greens' side, family spokesperson Barbara Neßler called for a faster expansion of childcare places. Specifically, she demanded the creation of 50,000 additional free full-day childcare places. Greens MP Elisabeth Götze criticized the fact that cuts were being made everywhere where climate-friendliness was on the label ("Überall dort, wo Klimafreundlichkeit draufsteht, wird gekürzt").

Greens and opposition criticize austerity measures

The SPÖ and NEOS welcomed the focus on expanding in-kind benefits. They praised the focus on concrete care offerings rather than direct cash transfers. The reduction of non-wage labor costs was also highlighted positively again in the debate.

The budget draft provides for a reduction of the budget deficit to 3.5 percent of GDP in the coming year. In 2028, the deficit is to be brought back down to the EU-permitted level of 3 percent of GDP. If the plan succeeds, Austria could exit the EU deficit procedure.

Mobility budget: Billions in investments planned

Following the family chapter, the budget chapters on mobility, research, defense, and finance will be addressed in the Nationalrat. Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) emphasized that Austria was working on sustainable, strong, and affordable mobility, with priority given to public transport, traffic safety, and the mobility transition toward climate neutrality by 2040.

The ÖBB framework plan provides for 19.5 billion euros by 2032. The Asfinag construction program amounts to 12.5 billion euros. Hanke described the ÖBB and Asfinag programs together as "ein unglaublicher wirtschaftlicher Hebel," which is intended to trigger 32 billion euros in investments.

Outlook: Final votes and EU deficit procedure

The final votes on the Federal Finance Acts 2027 and 2028, as well as on the financial framework, were scheduled for the same day. FPÖ MP Maximilian Weinzierl criticized in the debate that one was living at the expense of the future and selling that as frugality.

Overall, the debate revealed the tension between the goal of budget consolidation and the expansion of social services. While the coalition pointed to the austerity course and comparatively high family spending, the opposition saw above all the suspended indexation as a problem for families in the country.