Upper Austria will vote in ten weeks: The political balance of power in the state, in the municipalities and among the mayors will be in order for the next six years.
It is not just a question of who governs, but above all: How will the course for Upper Austria’s future be set, how can the state assert itself in the “competition of the regions” that leading state politicians speak of?
Even before the state elections in 2015, OÖNachrichten formulated 33 theses, supported by numerous reader ideas and experts, on how Upper Austria should be fit for the future. We have adapted these a little and will analyze them over the next ten weeks: What has politics been doing since 2015 and what has not? New challenges such as the corona crisis will be incorporated. Today we start with a report and an interview on theses 1, 2 and 3.
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Upper Austrian citizens are not only the financiers of the state with their tax payments, they should actively help shape the future of the state. We therefore invite you, our readers, to send us your ideas for the Upper Austria of tomorrow. Write to us where the shoe pinches, where politics is called to act! We will further develop the theses for the future of the country with your ideas.
33 theses for a better Upper Austria
What does the country need to have a good future? The OÖN will analyze this up to the elections in ten weeks.
Image: OÖN Grafik
# 1 Dare more democracy, abolish the proportional system
Upper Austria sticks to the proportional representation in which opposition parties are also in the state government. The legislative period only lasts six years on the Enns.
# 2 Expand digitization, fast internet and research
The broadband expansion must arrive everywhere. The country needs a high research quota so that the location can hold its own in global competition.
# 3 Battle the average trap, the best minds for the universities
The announced Technical University has to be thought big, the schedule is athletic. Top international people are needed for the JKU and future TU.
# 4 Maintain and create jobs in industry
Industry is one of Upper Austria’s great strengths. To keep and expand jobs, you need a focus on education, quality, innovation and flexibility.
# 5 Strengthen municipalities and mayors
The communities are stuck in tight financial corsets. Mayors are the only politicians who are directly elected; they have little to decide.
# 6 Expand childcare, kindergartens as an educational institution
The compatibility of family and work is essential, this requires a sufficient range of childcare – in the city and in the country.
# 7 Get children and young people moving
Too many children and young people (like adults) exercise too little. Incentives for activities are needed in order to reduce health costs as well.
# 8 Promote entrepreneurship and support founders
A distinct start-up climate is needed in Upper Austria so that many people dare to take risks and start businesses.
# 9 Volunteers need support – from all of us
The corona pandemic in particular has shown how important volunteers and their organizations are. You need to be supported.
# 10 Re-regulate tax jurisdictions and financial equalization
The federal government collects taxes, the states spend the money. The entire financial equalization between the federal, state and local governments is a complex construct.
# 11 Create financial headroom and reduce debt
The corona crisis has ruined any plans to consolidate public finances. As soon as possible, the household should be put back in order.
# 12 Reduce bureaucracy Fewer and faster procedures
Business settlement and expansion, house building, economic activity itself and much more becomes more difficult due to the many rules and procedural steps.
# 13 Citizens need to take more personal responsibility
Father State will sort it out, many compatriots think that, and it is often suggested by politics. But that is not a future model.
# 14 Immigration and integration – solutions are needed
Attracting world-wide key workers and protecting war refugees – at the same time preventing parallel structures and the consequences of criminal offenses.
# 15 Eliminate the shortage of doctors, cooperation between the hospitals
Unoccupied checkouts have to be filled, patient flows have to be properly directed. There are many providers and houses at the hospitals, so cooperation is required.
# 16 Combat unemployment and skills shortages
The number of unemployed is considerable, but companies are also looking for skilled workers. The problem has to be solved, with qualifications and a boost for teaching.
# 17 Housing has to be affordable
Land prices and construction costs are currently rising sharply, the picture for rents is mixed, but rent is also very challenging for many households.
# 18 Upper Austria is getting older, care needs to be secured
The number of people in need of care will continue to rise sharply in the next few years – at the same time, there will be a shortage of employees in the care sector. There is a lot to do.
# 19 Full focus on education, tight school administration
Upper Austria does not live from raw materials, but from the skills of the people. So upgrade schools, promote education, streamline administration.
# 20 Clear funding jungle and question subsidies
It is difficult to find your way around the country’s funding report. Subsidies should also be questioned, for example with party-affiliated organizations.
# 21 Stop urban sprawl and erosion
Supra-regional spatial planning is required, without rampant building of floors and without permits for dedications that encourage urban sprawl.
# 22 Give preference to regional foods
Agriculture produces regional specialties. Compatriots and the public sector need to be even more aware of this when shopping.
# 23 Soft tourism with impact
Upper Austria offers a lot in terms of nature, culture and wellness. A lot is possible with gentle concepts and even more clout in the organization.
# 24 Fewer parishes and districts
15 districts, three statutory cities and 438 municipalities – further mergers and cooperation between the administrative units should be considered.
# 25 Climate protection, renewable energy, green mobility
It’s the mega topic – climate change. We need more renewable energy, green mobility and efficient behavior in energy consumption.
# 26 Investments in infrastructure and efficiency in the energy sector
The expansion of renewable energy also requires investments in lines, storage facilities and power plants. Energie AG and Linz AG should move closer as companies.
# 27 Promote public and relief transport projects
From the bridges in Linz via the Westring to the city railways – transport projects need to be pushed ahead, especially in public transport.
# 28 Make Linz Airport competitive
Linz Airport plays an important role in freight traffic, but has suffered from passenger traffic for years. When does he get connected internationally?
# 29 Improve the relationship with the neighboring Czech Republic
The relationship with the neighboring country of the Czech Republic, which is overshadowed by the Temelin nuclear power plant, can be expanded – and not just in terms of traffic.
# 30 Get the new Linz stadium off hold
Sensible investments in the sports infrastructure are necessary. There are still many unanswered questions about the construction of the new Linz stadium, including a lot of funding.
# 31 Depoliticize culture
The listeners and viewers do not care in whose building or institution they experience culture – unfortunately not the politicians in federal, state, cities and municipalities.
# 32 Fight against centralization in Vienna
The state must do more to ensure that not all the headquarters of federal authorities and organizations are located in Vienna.
# 33 Stop the exodus
Even if Corona made the cities more cramped, the rural exodus continues. Meaningful regional policy is needed – from jobs to rescuing inns.
