Austrian Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer unveils double budget 2027/28

On 10 June 2026 Austrian Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) presented the government's double‑year budget for 2027‑28 to the National Council. The proposal sets an expenditure brake, reforms pensions, eliminates most subsidies and lowers income taxes, aiming to curb a deficit that currently requires €9.6 billion in interest payments and is forecast to reach €29 billion by 2042. Marterbauer warned that "we are sitting at the Heurigen on the Titanic" and argued that "lower taxes will make Austria more lively".

Critics say the plan lacks a clear political line and relies heavily on spending cuts rather than growth measures. A leaked draft highlighted that Austria’s deficit is the fifth‑largest in the euro area despite high tax revenues. Media analysts in a podcast noted the absence of new funding for projects and questioned the feasibility of the promised reforms and cuts.