Wallner rejects Greens leader’s renewed call for inheritance tax

Vorarlberg Governor Markus Wallner has rejected Green Party leader Leonore Gewessler’s renewed call for an inheritance tax, saying Austria’s tax burden is already high enough. ORF reported on Saturday that Wallner, who chairs the Conference of State Governors, said no new taxes were needed at present.

Instead, the state should become more efficient, simplify structures and processes, and ease the burden on residents and businesses, Wallner said in a statement. He argued that people should not have to justify building assets, providing for the next generation or passing on what they own.

“Those who work, save, invest, build a business or provide for their children must not be punished afterwards,” Wallner said. He added that much of Vorarlberg’s wealth is tied up in family homes, businesses and jobs. The goal, he said, should be to make business succession easier and keep companies in the region.

Wallner said the government should first address its own operations rather than propose new taxes whenever budget pressures arise. He said efforts were under way to remove duplication, simplify procedures and make public structures more efficient.