THE TIME: Ms. Schratzenstaller, last week, four days after the election, it became known that Austria‘s budget deficit would be higher than expected. Couldn’t this also be an opportunity for the next government to have a common goal: getting the budget under control?
Margit Schratzenstaller: I see it that way too.
TIME: Really?
Schratzenstaller: We know from the literature that extensive and far-reaching consolidation packages only succeed when the situation is serious. Who consolidates their budget in good times? But now there is a need for major structural reforms. And yes, that’s why I really see this as an opportunity!
