Austrian Chamber of Commerce President Mahrer Resigns OeNB Post Amid Salary Controversy
The President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), Harald Mahrer, is stepping down from his position on the board of the Austrian National Bank (OeNB) as a firestorm of criticism surrounds substantial salary adjustments for chamber officials and his own multi-faceted income. The move, announced Monday, is intended to allow Mahrer to “fully concentrate again” on addressing the challenges facing the Austrian economy and the WKO.
Mahrer acknowledged the strong public reaction to the situation, stating, “I understand that the discussions have aroused great emotions. I hear and understand the criticism.” He framed his resignation as an act of responsibility, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes. The controversy centers on salary increases of up to 60% for WKO officials, initially communicated in a manner widely condemned as mishandled.
The situation escalated after it was revealed Mahrer earned a combined €28,500 per month through his roles as President of the WKO, the ÖVP Economic Association, and a member of the OeNB General Council. This prompted an announced audit by the Court of Auditors (RH) into the compensation practices within the chamber. The WKO has requested the audit specifically examine the system of compensation for officials. “The issues are decided by the Court of Auditors themselves and not by the audited body,” the RH clarified in response to the WKO’s request.
Efforts to Restore Trust
On Sunday, Mahrer held a “very open, honest, cooperative and collegial conversation” with the nine state presidents of the WKO, securing their continued trust. He has now outlined a three-step plan to address concerns and rebuild confidence in the organization. This includes inviting workforce representatives to contribute to the development of a salary adjustment system that reflects the “realistic depiction of the economic situation of member companies.”
However, the initial communication surrounding the salary adjustments remains a key point of contention. What began as a proposed halving of a 4.2% increase (above inflation) was later clarified – revealing no increase in the first half of the year, followed by the full 4.2% increase in the second half. This sequence of adjustments ultimately resulted in a higher starting point for the following year’s calculations than if the 2.1% halving had been consistently applied.
Widespread Criticism from Regional Chambers
The response from regional chambers has been overwhelmingly critical. Barbara Thaler, head of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce, described the situation as “a complete disaster, a big mistake, and it cost a lot of trust,” while acknowledging the numbers themselves weren’t the primary issue. Doris Hummer, President of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce, labeled the communication “amateurish” and “completely unfortunate.”
Similar dissatisfaction was voiced by officials in Carinthia and Lower Austria. Wolfgang Ecker, President of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for improved coordination between federal and state levels, stating, “Something like this must no longer happen.” Josef Herk, President of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, admitted mistakes were made and accountability is necessary.
Political Fallout and Calls for Reform
Political scientist Peter Filzmaier, speaking on ZIB2, assessed that the recent debate has “permanently damaged” Mahrer and, more broadly, the Austrian social partnership. The ÖVP has largely remained silent, with General Secretary Alexander Pröll stating the matter is for the chamber to resolve.
However, opposition parties have been more vocal. The FPÖ has called for a reversal of the pay increases, deeming Mahrer “intolerable” for refusing to do so. The Green Party views Mahrer’s OeNB resignation as merely a “first step” and advocates for broader reforms, including changes to WKO elections and financing. UNOS, the NEOS entrepreneurial platform, is demanding “far-reaching structural reforms” of the WKO, while the Social Democratic Business Association (SWV) aims to “set the right course” for fairness and transparency.
Mahrer has maintained that he is “not available for half measures” and intends to ensure an orderly handover in his OeNB role. The future of the WKO, and its ability to regain the trust of its members and the public, remains uncertain as the organization navigates this period of intense scrutiny.
