© Peter Rigaud
© Peter Rigaud
Media
CEO Heimo Scheuch in talk
18. December 2024
wienerberger CEO on social housing, the need for investments in infrastructure and education, and sustainability in politics.
The construction industry in Austria is in a deep crisis, driven by high interest rates, inflation, and overregulation. In recent media appearances, wienerberger CEO Heimo Scheuch has highlighted the urgent need to revitalize residential construction to create affordable housing. For this, a sustainable and social housing policy is necessary – one that avoids short-term subsidies for specific groups and instead focuses on long-term solutions.
Scheuch identifies high interest rates as a major factor exacerbating the crisis, which have severely slowed housing construction and made real estate unaffordable for most people. He advocates for increased investment in social housing and proposes a reduction of VAT on renovations and refurbishments, as this could revitalize the sector. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of an ecological tax reform to strengthen Austria's economic competitiveness.
He also criticizes the lack of long-term planning in domestic policies, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, and energy sectors. Scheuch urges the government to adopt a sustainable, future-oriented approach that extends beyond individual legislative periods. This, he argues, is essential to maintaining Austria’s position as a competitive business location and securing jobs for the future.
Heimo Scheuch remains constructive, but emphasizes the need for long-term measures to secure Austria's economic future.
Heimo Scheuch as a guest on ZIB2
“Savings in the wrong place would be a catastrophe”
wienerberger CEO Heimo Scheuch was a guest on the Austrian news program ZIB2 on December 15. In conversation with Martin Thür, he discussed the challenges facing the construction industry amid rising interest rates and economic uncertainties. Scheuch emphasized the importance of sustainable investments and warned against the consequences of cost-cutting measures in the wrong areas.
Kleine Zeitung
‘Residential housing remains extremely critical’
wienerberger CEO Heimo Scheuch on discussions in Brussels, ten good years for the USA and limited expectations of the new federal government.
wienerberger has achieved a strong result despite a difficult year, thanks to early adjustments such as the optimization of production capacities and cost reductions. However, the situation in the construction industry remains critical, particularly in residential construction, despite a slight boost from falling interest rates. Scheuch advocates promoting social housing through favorable land prices and criticizes excessive regulation. He sees opportunities in the USA and Eastern Europe and calls for tax incentives for Austria instead of complex subsidies in order to strengthen the economy and social justice.
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wienerberger CEO Heimo Scheuch: Brick is on the rise again
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“The capital market is being trampled underfoot in Austria.”
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