Wallner emphasized that the focus was on effectively combating the numerous crises, but also wanted to start the new year with optimism and confidence. The budget framework for 2023, which was unanimously approved by the state government on Tuesday, provides for a proposed result with expenses of EUR 2.166 billion (2022: EUR 1.985 billion) and a financing proposal with payments of EUR 2.286 billion (2021: EUR 2.150 billion). . As in previous years, around 70 percent of the funds will be spent on health, education, social affairs and housing subsidies.
Return to sustainable fiscal policy
The new debt of EUR 99 million estimated for this year does not have to be used. On the contrary, it is in a position to repay the state’s variable-interest loans (EUR 62 million). This will bring you back to a sustainable financial policy and make you independent of the interest rate policy of the central banks. “Cost what it may” was never his motto, Wallner noted. At the end of 2022, Vorarlberg’s debt will amount to EUR 476.2 million (end of 2021: EUR 538.5 million; debt level before the pandemic: EUR 110.4 million). After taking out a loan in 2021, the state had a liquidity reserve of around EUR 196 million at its disposal. The resulting disposal of EUR 41.8 million for 2023 will also be covered “from liquidity”, as it was said.
The economy has recovered surprisingly quickly
Wallner was very pleased with the unexpectedly high share of earnings of EUR 900 million that Vorarlberg can count on for this year. EUR 811.3 million had been estimated. For 2023, one can calculate with 906.7 million euros despite the forecast economic downturn. “The economy recovered surprisingly quickly after the pandemic,” Wallner said. In 2019, a share of EUR 758.3 million flowed to Vorarlberg, in 2021 it was EUR 735.1 million.
The country’s investment power remains high
The governor emphasized the aid programs that are being used to combat the effects of inflation. Significantly more funds are now available for housing assistance or family and heating cost subsidies. With a volume of EUR 96.5 million (2022: EUR 93.5 million), the state’s investment power also remains high. He cited the area of elementary education (100.7 million euros, plus 15.2 percent) or projects such as the expansion of the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences.
As Wallner’s government partner, Daniel Zadra (Greens) pointed out the funds that flow under the heading “Climate, Environment and Energy”: 132 million euros. EUR 49.1 million (plus 3.5 percent) of this is spent on local public transport. “Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time,” Zadra said.