Klaudia Tanner rejects pay increase for civilian service

Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner has rejected a proposal from Green Party leader Leonore Gewessler to increase pay for civilian service members. The disagreement arises during discussions regarding a military service reform.

The proposed reform aims to extend basic military service to nine months, including militia exercises, with monthly pay increasing from 630 euros to 1,000 euros. Under the plan, civilian service would also initially last nine months but could automatically extend to eleven months if there is a shortage of military personnel.

Gewessler argues that increased compensation is a “fundamental requirement” to avoid “double disadvantaging” civilian service in terms of both duration and pay. Tanner, however, stated she cannot imagine such a move at this time, arguing it would undermine the goal of encouraging young men to join the Austrian Armed Forces. Because the reform requires a two-thirds majority, the government must secure support from either the Green Party or the Freedom Party (FPÖ).