Bureaucracy reduction stalls: ÖVP and Neos blame each other

The Austrian government's initiative to reduce bureaucracy is facing significant delays, leading to a political dispute between the ruling ÖVP and Neos parties, who are trading blame.

State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn, whose role is centered on deregulation, is urging for quicker implementation of proposed measures. However, he is encountering resistance from various ministries responsible for enacting these changes. Schellhorn is reportedly frustrated by the lack of progress, attributing it to the ministries rather than his own efforts.

Economics Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, representing the ÖVP, has now taken charge of the deregulation issue, declaring it a top priority. Despite this declaration, sources suggest that Hattmannsdorfer's ministry is acting as a brake on the process, further exacerbating the stalemate. The conflict has intensified ahead of Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer's budget speech.