Proposal for safeguarding workers from radiation risks remains unratified by the Commission.
In an interview conducted by Jochen Hofer/APA, Governor Markus Wallner of Vorarlberg discussed his plans for a structural reform in the provinces, particularly in the areas of education and health.
Wallner proposes to channel funds needed for the expansion of early childhood education through the population share of the federal provinces into the revenue shares. This move aims to streamline the funding process and ensure a more equitable distribution among the states.
In the health sector, Wallner plans to strengthen joint control between the outpatient sector and hospitals. He believes that this collaboration will help contain growth rates in areas such as social services, health, and childcare, raising structural questions that need to be addressed. Wallner expects "the utmost willingness" from affected hospital locations and their mayors regarding the proposed hospital reform.
Wallner's proposals for better joint management of hospitals and practices in the healthcare sector have found support from Peter McDonald, chairman of the umbrella association of social insurance carriers and co-chairman of the OGK. McDonald, however, has expressed dissatisfaction with the significant annual increase in financial transfers to the hospital funds of the federal states.
The governor also criticizes the 15a agreements, a bureaucratic system that regulates federal investments, and proposes to reduce their number to a minimum. Wallner plans to abolish most of these agreements in an effort to streamline the decision-making process and promote efficiency.
Wallner notes that there has been an interweaving of federal, provincial, municipal, and social insurance levels for years in the health sector. He suggests that the Electricity Economics Act (ElWG) could help accelerate the UVP procedure for projects like the Lunzersee II power plant.
Meanwhile, Wallner is preparing the budget for 2026 and expects new debt next year. He aims for net zero debt in the future, but emphasizes that shifting the stability pact to the detriment of the states and municipalities is not an option.
In the education sector, Wallner advocates for a redistribution of responsibilities between the federal government and the provinces. Vorarlberg, for instance, finances its own network investments in the energy sector.
The proposed hospital reform, however, has met with resistance from some regions. Bregenz, Bludenz, and Dornbirn have expressed major concerns or announced resistance to the reform, particularly the proposal to offer certain specialties only once in hospitals in the north and south of the country.
Wallner will continue to leave vacancies in the administration unfilled and the wage round will play a significant role. The regional authorities, including Vorarlberg, have had to cope with wage increases of 30 percent over the past three to four years.
These proposed reforms aim to streamline processes, promote efficiency, and ensure a more equitable distribution of funds in the provinces, particularly in the areas of education and health. The debate over these reforms is ongoing, and their implementation will have significant implications for the future of these sectors in Austria.
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