Letters to the Editor, September 5, 2026

One reader proposes that Austria extend its planned state-supported investment accounts beyond newborns and teenagers. From age 45, people could receive a similar, subsidized account running until they turn 65. The proposal suggests annual state support of 100 euros, maximum yearly contributions of 10,000 euros, and withdrawals only from age 65.

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A future deposit for people in midlife as well

Eduard Binder of Hart bei Graz argues that retirees also have a future, especially as life expectancy continues to rise. He calls on the Social Democrats to reconsider their aversion to shares, saying long-term fund and ETF investment could give people at different income levels an alternative to savings accounts. He adds that the approaching pressures on the pension system might become less threatening.

Sabine Sommerer of Vienna focuses on children whose families cannot afford to save. Rather than asking parents to build accounts themselves, she suggests paying family benefits into a fund for each child. That would give all young people the same financial starting point at 18, regardless of their family’s income. She compares the idea with a proposal previously associated with Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

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Equal family benefits paid into a fund

A third letter attacks the word “student faction,” calling it a monstrous coinage and saying “student association” would be the correct term. Another reader argues that Washington and Moscow should negotiate, but says countries must also remain capable of defending themselves.

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Monstrous coinage