In a recent letter to the leaders of Austria's parliamentary parties, SPÖ leader Andreas Babler called for a united front against potential budget cuts following the upcoming National Council elections.

Babler emphasized the need to protect pensions, education, and healthcare from austerity measures, urging his colleagues to promise voters that there will be no cuts at their expense.

He criticized the current government's budget policies and warned of a looming €10 billion savings package.

Instead of cuts, Babler proposed implementing wealth taxes and reversing corporate tax reductions to ensure fair contributions from the wealthy.

His appeal has met resistance, particularly from the FPÖ, which accused him of hypocrisy and called for more responsible fiscal management.

Babler remains firm in his stance, advocating for a budget that prioritizes social welfare over austerity.