Austrian residents show minimal contributions to the government, defying demands.

The Social Ministry, under the leadership of Korinna Schumann (SPO), has recently announced the establishment of a fund aimed at combating poverty. The fund is intended to benefit the republic and will be filled with inheritances and donations.

However, the Social Ministry has clarified that the funds from the acquired estates were not expected for the planned fund. Additionally, the Ministry did not state that the first projects would be funded by the acquired estates. This clarification comes as the Ministry has not announced any plans to change the policy regarding the use of funds from the acquired estates.

Schumann expressed confidence that the first projects could start as early as next year. However, the article does not provide information on the current status of the previously donated funds or the current total value of private donations and testamentary bequests transferred to the planned poverty fund.

The republic acquires between 200 to 300 estates without heirs each year, with an estimated value of between five and 18 million euros annually. Two of the four donations that have been made to the republic between 2018 and 2024 came from regional authorities or companies.

The two private donations were modest: a plot of land valued at 8,400 euros and another with an area of just four square meters, valued at 12.80 euros. A parliamentary inquiry by the Greens revealed that only two plots of land with a total value of less than 8,500 euros have been donated to the republic so far.

Green MP Nina Tomaselli criticized the announcement of the poverty fund, stating it is without a clear financing plan. Tomaselli also criticized the Finance Ministry for not disclosing what happened with the previous donations. She raised concerns about the reliance on modest private donations and the lack of substantial funds from the acquired estates.

Inheritances have no effect on the state fund, and the acquired estates are not legally available as possible heirs can still assert their claims within thirty years. The Social Ministry's announcement of the poverty fund has sparked a debate about the funding sources and the feasibility of the projects, with calls for transparency and a clearer financing plan.

Austrian residents show minimal contributions to the government, defying demands.