Financial advisor Anton Lang presented the state budget for 2022 in his budget speech on Tuesday in the state parliament. And he had some positive news in his luggage: According to the federal government, there should be 108 million euros more in tax revenue for Styria next year. This will reduce the deficit and the debt level.
The state budget for 2022 was partly a poking around in the dark, as Lang admitted in his speech. Up to September 30, the last possible date before the budget was drawn up, the federal government did not make any forecast as to how many revenue shares (tax revenues that are distributed among the federal states) can be expected in the next year.
“Only” 5.8 billion euros in debt
Styria had to estimate the value itself and forecast a deficit of 483 million euros. On October 14th, however, a forecast came from Vienna, as Lang revealed in the state parliament. Accordingly, 108 million euros more in earnings is to be expected. This will reduce the expected deficit to 375 million euros, and the debt level should be “only” 5.8 billion euros at the end of 2022 instead of 5.9 billion euros.
In his speech, Anton Lang spoke of a “show of strength” that was necessary due to the pandemic and of “targeted investments in all areas”. For example, there is more money for climate protection, protection against violence, cycling and in the health sector. He emphasized: “New borrowing is not only legitimate, it is absolutely necessary.”
Violent and mild criticism from the opposition
The opposition naturally criticizes the draft budget. For Stefan Hermann (FPÖ) the “will to reform” and “real beacons” are missing. He urged Lang: “Stop managing, start shaping.” Sandra Krautwaschl (Greens) is milder in her judgment: For her, the current new debt is “understandable”, but more needs to be done in the area of care and climate protection will. Five million euros more for climate protection are certainly not enough.
Werner Murgg (KPÖ) demands its own state income (such as local transport tax, parking space tax). These would not rehabilitate the budget, but would be a question of fairness. Robert Reif (Neos), on the other hand, warned in his speech of additional burdens such as a comprehensive truck toll and a second home tax. These would hinder the upswing. “We need real reforms instead of more burdens.”