Mattighofen/Linz: KTM – Upper Austria indicates willingness to help workers

For the Minister of Economy Martin Kocher (ÖVP), the economic situation of the motorcycle manufacturer is unbelievable: “I expect clear answers from KTM about how it could happen that the employment situation is good and a good view leading to a restructuring process,” criticized Kocher in the ORF news program “ZiB17”.

At the level of the state government it was also said: “Of course we as politicians want to help and support the place. We are doing everything we can to save the plant and the jobs,” said Stelzer in a statement to the APA. But: “EU state aid law and bankruptcy law currently exclude liability.” The state is “at least there when it comes to helping the affected workers – together with AMS and social partners. “

“It is important that things continue,” Upper Austria remains a strong business location, even if the situation is difficult. “But we have the strength to get out of there and prevent a downward spiral,” Stelzer sure. Given the economic situation, he hopes that there will be a government that will be able to act quickly and he asked for performance incentives and faster procedures to support the economy.

FPÖ with general criticism, the Greens see management mistakes

His government partner, Governor Manfred Haimbuchner (FPÖ), sees KTM as a victim of the “black-green wrecking ball” and “the anti-business environment of the last few years now produces rotten fruit.” He used the situation to launch a major attack on political competition. Chancellor Karl Nehammer and his ÖVP have “run down” the place and are now wants to “enter into a coalition with a distinguished Marxist.” The black-green coalition made expensive “gold plating” with their 2040 climate neutrality goal.

On the other hand, the Greens point to regulatory errors: It has long been known that emissions standards for motorcycles would become stricter and that they would continue to produce what was known as – already a step beyond this. “It is not a bad idea that the net debt has increased to 1.5 billion euros within two years and yet regularly many dividends are paid out of sight currently,” said Green Economics spokesperson Dagmar Engl together with labor market spokesperson Ulrike Schwarz , she wants “Billionaire Pierer’s (Stefan, note) big involvement in restructuring KTM”.