Taxpayers Association of Europe awards the Taxpayer Prize to Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel
Courage to Reform applauded
The European Taxpayer Prize, which is awarded for the sixth time on 19 May 2005 in Vienna by the Taxpayers Association of Europe, goes to the Austrian Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel.
The objective of the Taxpayers Association of Europe, which was founded in Luxembourg in 1969, are, according to President von Hohenhau, to relieve Europe's citizens from excessive taxes, over-burdening bureaucracy and to prevent additional new taxes. In addition, the European Association of Tax Payers fights for simpler and fairer tax laws and against public waste.
The European Taxpayer Prize, which is in the form of a bronze sculpture - the European Bull - symbolises the never-ending fight for survival, strength and ability to assert ourselves. But at the same time it symbolises Europe. A Europe that must be open to visions according to the objectives of the Taxpayers Association of Europe, a Europe of regions, citizens and taxpayers and not, on the other hand, a Europe of bureaucracy, regimentation and higher taxes.
To a particular extent, the winner corresponds to the symbolism and intention of the prize, according to the Taxpayers Association of Europe.
Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel is rewarded, according to the Taxpayers Association of Europe, for the courageous reforms in Austria in the areas of public administration, health and the pension and tax system. As a result of the reforms introduced by him, the Republic of Austria is prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. According to the Taxpayers Association of Europe, the reforms create the conditions for more growth, employment and wealth in Austria. Austria is a positive European example of how to respond to Europe's increasing competition. In particular, the Austrian Chancellor's courage structurally to reform the pension system is worthy of note, along with introducing the reform of the health system. The implementation of the tax reform 2005 is an important contribution to tax competition in Europe and will make Austria even more attractive as a place to do business. The core of this reform is the reduction in corporation tax from 34% to 25% and the introduction of group taxation.
For it is only competition between the tax systems, according to the president of the Taxpayers Association of Europe, von Hohenhau, that guarantees low taxes in the interests of all of Europe's citizens.
In addition, under the leadership of Chancellor Schüssel, the role of the state as owner has been reconsidered further and privatisation has continued apace in Austria.
With the European Taxpayer Prize, the "European Bull", the Taxpayers Association of Europe wants to salute Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel, above all, for introducing the necessary implementation of unpopular reforms and to give a signal of public approval so that the important structural changes proposed for Austria are continued - against all resistance.
On the other hand, the prize is also a signal to the other political parties to participate actively in the reforms in Austria and to assume some responsibility for the citizens of Austria.
The prize giving will be held in Vienna on 19 May 2005 at 6.00 p.m. in the Hofburg. TAE President Rolf von Hohenhau will give the welcoming address. Dr. Oliver Ginthör will give a welcoming address on behalf of the Austrian Association of taxpayers. Vice president of the European Parliament, Dr. Ingo Friedrich MEP will make the ceremonial address speech. Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel will be speaking. The former president of the European Court of Auditors and president of the European Economic Senate, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Friedmann will be giving the keynote address. The presentation by the Taxpayers Association of Europe is held in association with the European Economic Senate and the Austrian Association of Taxpayers - VÖS.
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Courage to Reform applauded
The European Taxpayer Prize, which is awarded for the sixth time on 19 May 2005 in Vienna by the Taxpayers Association of Europe, goes to the Austrian Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel.
The objective of the Taxpayers Association of Europe, which was founded in Luxembourg in 1969, are, according to President von Hohenhau, to relieve Europe's citizens from excessive taxes, over-burdening bureaucracy and to prevent additional new taxes. In addition, the European Association of Tax Payers fights for simpler and fairer tax laws and against public waste.
The European Taxpayer Prize, which is in the form of a bronze sculpture - the European Bull - symbolises the never-ending fight for survival, strength and ability to assert ourselves. But at the same time it symbolises Europe. A Europe that must be open to visions according to the objectives of the Taxpayers Association of Europe, a Europe of regions, citizens and taxpayers and not, on the other hand, a Europe of bureaucracy, regimentation and higher taxes.
To a particular extent, the winner corresponds to the symbolism and intention of the prize, according to the Taxpayers Association of Europe.
Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel is rewarded, according to the Taxpayers Association of Europe, for the courageous reforms in Austria in the areas of public administration, health and the pension and tax system. As a result of the reforms introduced by him, the Republic of Austria is prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. According to the Taxpayers Association of Europe, the reforms create the conditions for more growth, employment and wealth in Austria. Austria is a positive European example of how to respond to Europe's increasing competition. In particular, the Austrian Chancellor's courage structurally to reform the pension system is worthy of note, along with introducing the reform of the health system. The implementation of the tax reform 2005 is an important contribution to tax competition in Europe and will make Austria even more attractive as a place to do business. The core of this reform is the reduction in corporation tax from 34% to 25% and the introduction of group taxation.
For it is only competition between the tax systems, according to the president of the Taxpayers Association of Europe, von Hohenhau, that guarantees low taxes in the interests of all of Europe's citizens.
In addition, under the leadership of Chancellor Schüssel, the role of the state as owner has been reconsidered further and privatisation has continued apace in Austria.
With the European Taxpayer Prize, the "European Bull", the Taxpayers Association of Europe wants to salute Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel, above all, for introducing the necessary implementation of unpopular reforms and to give a signal of public approval so that the important structural changes proposed for Austria are continued - against all resistance.
On the other hand, the prize is also a signal to the other political parties to participate actively in the reforms in Austria and to assume some responsibility for the citizens of Austria.
The prize giving will be held in Vienna on 19 May 2005 at 6.00 p.m. in the Hofburg. TAE President Rolf von Hohenhau will give the welcoming address. Dr. Oliver Ginthör will give a welcoming address on behalf of the Austrian Association of taxpayers. Vice president of the European Parliament, Dr. Ingo Friedrich MEP will make the ceremonial address speech. Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel will be speaking. The former president of the European Court of Auditors and president of the European Economic Senate, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Friedmann will be giving the keynote address. The presentation by the Taxpayers Association of Europe is held in association with the European Economic Senate and the Austrian Association of Taxpayers - VÖS.
back to menu