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The Governing ÖVP Further Rocked by ÖBAG Scandal
Recovered chats reveal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Finance Minister Gernot Blümel’s involvement, previously denied, in the appointment of state holding CEO Thomas Schmid.
Coronavirus
WKÖ and ÖGB Condemn “Easter Lockdown”
In a rare show of unity, the Austrian Economic Chambers and Trade Union Federation call the latest anti-COVID measures “not feasible” in a joint statement.
On Display
To Speak or Not to Speak
A recent survey found that every second Austrian prefers staying silent over voicing an opinion.
On Display
Erhard Busek – Lessons from Europe
March 25 marks the anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, as well as the birthday of the former Vice-Chancellor – an occasion to reflect on the European ideal.
On Display
Vienna Welcomed 218 New International Businesses in 2020 Despite COVID-19
City officials remain optimistic as they try to find new ways to attract investors.
On Display
Overwhelmed by Applications, the MA35 Improves Its Service
As the pandemic adds more strain to the system, Vienna’s immigration authority introduces new measures to combat delays.
On Display
“The Hungary Model” – Illiberal Tactics for Weakening Independent Media
Press freedom in Central Europe is under renewed threat. Yet there are no systematic arrests of journalists as in Belarus or Turkey, less of the blatant acts of censorship common in Russia and few of the gruesome killings of reporters that are common in autocratic countries around the world. Instead, they are now following the Hungary model.
On Display
Mayday, Mayday! Austrian Democracy in Danger!
As criticism and corruption allegations pile up against his administration, the biggest cause for concern is Sebastian Kurz’s deliberate attempts to undermine the nation’s checks and balances.
Online
EU to Issue COVID-19 Vaccine Passport Amid Sluggish Rollout
The European Commission is working on a digital certificate that will enable free travel. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is an advocate, despite Austria’s slow inoculation rate.
On Display
No More Hiding – Austria Set to Disclose State Information
If the measure passes, the Republic will dismantle its nearly 100-year-old Official Secrecy Laws – the last EU country to do so – and launch new measures increasing public insight into state operations.
On Display
Survey – A Discouraged Public Gives Coalition Poor Marks
A year after the start of the pandemic, trust in the government has plummeted to new lows, as frustrations mount amid evidence of a new ÖVP scandal.
Coronavirus
Bavarian Borders, Tyrolean Tantrums
Concerns over virus mutations have led Germany to close its frontier to Tyrol, setting off traffic jams on the streets and brawls among top officials. Even Brussels has chimed in.
On Display
Lerncafés – A Place in the Coffeehouse to Study and Learn
Students of all ages and programs can find a quiet spot in some of Vienna’s traditional 'Kaffeehäuser' and the district 'Volkshochschulen.'
On Display
Nehammer’s Solutions Fall Short as Anti-Lockdown Demos Continue
10,000 maskless protestors marched on Sunday, Jan 31 against COVID-19
restrictions, despite a governmental ban.
On Display
Arbitrary Authorities & Police Violence – A Fearsome Deportation
In the night of January 27-28, two girls born in Austria were deported with their mother to Georgia. To the surprise of the authorities, dozens of demonstrators turned up, including some prominent faces. An eyewitness report.
On Display
Construction Begins on Vienna’s New U5 Line
Set to open in 2026, excavated streets and squares will lead to traffic detours around the Rathaus and along the Alserstraße for some time to come.
On Display
Austria Deports Children by Night, Triggering Outrage and Protests
Over the last few days, Austria’s immigration authorities have deported children from Lower Austria and Vienna to Armenia and Georgia. Most of them have spent the majority of their lives in Austria or were born here.
General
Austrian Insiders Arrested for Aiding Flight of Wirecard COO
Vienna police have taken a former
FPÖ MP and BVT-security head in custody for assisting the escape of Jan Marsalek, mastermind of one of Europe’s greatest postwar financial scandals.
Coronavirus
How Austria Plans to Support Its Schools & Artists
With schools in distance learning until February and cultural institutions closed perhaps through March, the government is stepping up support measures.
Coronavirus
Austria’s New COVID-19 Support Measures for Businesses
After extending the current lockdown until at least Feb. 7, the government promised additional support for businesses and workers.
Online
Waiting for ‘Willi’ – No-Show in Sigrid Maurer’s Suit Over Online Sexual Abuse
Pushing for clearer laws covering abuse on social media, Green Party leader Sigrid Maurer faces more delays and disingenuous.
On Display
Brandishing Conan’s sword, Schwarzenegger Stands for U.S Democracy
The Hollywood actor passionately drew on history and personal experience in response to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
On Display
Aschbacher’s Plagiarism – of Titles and Tragedies
A government minister resigns in disgrace. But the bigger scandal is the value of Austrian universities' degrees.
Online
Church and State – No Prayers Please, We’re Austrian
An invitation to a prayer breakfast in the Parlament managed to offend almost everyone, Christians and secularists alike. It also raised the specter of a far darker time.
Online
Grasser Found Guilty in a Tale of Insider Bidding and Bags of Cash
The Austrian Republic's longest corruption trial ended sensationally. If it has ended. Ex Finance Minister Karl-Heinz Grasser and close friends have been found guilty and sentenced to prison.
Online
The Ramifications of Terror
One month after, Austrian society is still reeling from the terrorist attack on November 2.
Online
“Social, Brave, Humane, Sustainable” – Red-Pink Make Its Debut in Vienna
Following three weeks of intense negotiations, the Vienna’s SPÖ and NEOS have presented a 212-page coalition program for their administration. Here are the most important takeaways.
Online
The Ugly Truth Behind Vienna’s Terrorist Attack – Blind Bureaucracy and Clumsy Management
Investigations surrounding the Jihadist attack in Vienna’s inner city have revealed hiccups in the Austrian secret service and shed new light on the country’s large extremist scene.
Online
Muslim Community Condemns Church Break-Ins
Attacks by young Islamists at Antonskirche and Stephansdom prompted strong rebuke from the IGGÖ: “We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms.”
Online
Jihadist Terror Attack in Vienna’s First District
On Monday evening, at least one ISIS “sympathizer” attacked diners sitting outside in the inner city. Four civilians and one gunman were killed, and 22 others injured, some severely. Police are still looking for possible accomplices. This is a developing story.
Online
Multilingualism: Treasure or Burden? Probably Both.
Conflict over remedial German classes in schools continues, as politicians, experts and teachers debate how best to support children with poor language skills.
Coronavirus
“Austria can manage this. Together.”
On Austria’s National Day, October 26, 2020, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed Austrians and “all people living in our country” with a calm plea for reasons, fortitude and unity.
Coronavirus
The Ischgl Report – Misjudgment, Misconduct and Misinformation
An independent review of the outbreak response to one of Europe’s first COVID-19 clusters blames federal and state officials for their slow reactions and poor communication.
Online
Enforcement of Mask Rules by U-Bahn Security Triggers Accusations of Racism
A routine intervention by Wiener Linien staff escalated into alleged use of excessive force; feelings run high while body-cam evidence may prove critical.
Online
Black Voices – ‘Writing History’ in Austria
Following the popular Black Lives Matter protest in Vienna, young activists launched a Citizens’ Initiative demanding a national action plan against racism.
Online
Vienna Election – The Greens Call for Unity as the SPÖ Weighs its Options
The mayor’s delegation will meet with all the parties before formal coalition negotiations begin on October 26.
Online
Vienna Has Voted – The Final Results in Detail
Viennese voters have handed the ruling SPÖ of Mayor Michael Ludwig a decisive victory. All other parties win a higher vote share. Only the far-right-wing FPÖ implodes, losing more than three quarters of its voters.
International
Telex.hu – A Defiant Hungarian News Site
Resisting government efforts to suppress independent media, seasoned journalists at the new crowd-funded website have sworn to “keep a check on power.”
Online
“Pass Egal Vote” – Giving a Voice to the Unheard
In allowing noncitizens to cast a simulated ballot, SOS Mitmensch aims to foster inclusion in Austria’s restricted political system.
Online
Election Fever in Vienna
As the city prepares to go to the polls, the streets are plastered with party propaganda posters. Michael Ludwig will almost certainly remain mayor, but his potential partners are pitching for a piece of power.
Coronavirus
QAnon Supporters Put on a Homophobic Display at a Protest in Vienna
At a protest against coronavirus restrictions in Vienna, far-right extremists put on a homophobic display in front of a cheering crowd, while drawing outrage from the Greens.
Online
Low Marks for Integration in Austrian Schools – Who is to Blame?
The annual integration report has confirmed that migrant children have difficulty learning German, but Integration Minister Susanne Raab rejects changing the system.
Online
Commerzialbank – A Tale of Criminal Generosity and Incompetent Oversight
A financial pillar of Burgenland had been running on fictional business for years. The inevitable came in August, as the fraudster confessed. Now, auditors and authorities are busy pointing fingers.
Online
No More Swimming on the Gürtel
'Gürtelfrische West' has been shut down by city officials – yet another set back for Deputy Mayor Birgit Hebein, widely criticized for her “pop-up politics.”
Online
New Government, Old Agenda – Press Freedom Under Strain Again in Slovenia
Few countries in Europe have experienced such a swift downturn in press and media freedom with a new government as has Slovenia under veteran Prime Minister Janez Janša.
Coronavirus
Austria, Slovakia, Czechia Vow to Avoid Border Closures
The parliamentary presidents of the three countries met in Grafenegg, 50 km outside of Vienna. Hungary’s recent steps to close its borders were also discussed.
Online
Vienna Offers to Take in Refugee Children From the Greek Islands
The City Council voted to take in 100 minors from the overcrowded refugee camp – principally from the Moria camp on Lesbos.
Online
Reopening Austrian Schools
The education minister’s agenda for the fall semester includes minimizing contact between students and holding classes outside.
Online
Protests in Belarus, Support in Vienna
Lies about COVID-19, unprovoked police violence and suspected fraud in the presidential election have brought 200,000 to the streets of Minsk demanding a new election. A Belarusian student at the Uni Wien stays involved from abroad.
Online
Newcomer Parties Fighting to Get on the Ballot
New, small political parties are vying to get on the ballot for the upcoming elections – in the district council elections, EU citizens can vote too.
Online
Wiener Linien Steps in to Save the City Bikes
In an adroit move by Mayor Michael Ludwig, the enormously popular public bike rental program is to be Integrated into Vienna’s Public Transport Network.
Online
Beirut to Vienna – Funeral March for the Dead
Following the devastating explosion in Beirut, the Lebanese diaspora in Vienna is demonstrating in support.
Online
The EU Deal Enters a New Phase
After an agreement over a coronavirus relief package, the European Union is working to implement the plan.
Online
Why the EU Recovery Fund Is a Big Deal – for Europe & for the Climate
The recent budget-corona negotiations could lead to the creation of a fiscal union and a greater emphasis on sustainability.
Diplomacy
Musical Chairs for UK-EU Expats – Grab a Seat Before the Music Stops
As the Brexit negotiations drag on, there is still no final clarity on the future of British citizens living in Europe. It is likely to be reciprocal – whatever that means. With Boris, who knows?
Online
Vienna Takes on Airbnb Over Social Housing
After negotiations failed, the city is suing the short-term housing platform over illegal sublets in Gemeindebauten municipal apartments.
Coronavirus
Wrestling for the EU Deal | Austrian Officials, Like the Country, Were Divided
Austria’s EU officials expressed diverging opinions ahead of the bloc’s budget-corona negotiations.
Online
One Woman Army | Tanner’s Mission Impossible
Klaudia Tanner is fighting a losing battle to maintain a credible military on a shrinking budget. She has some good ideas, but her communications have met a disastrous defeat.
Online
Asylum Seekers’ Path of Entry Eased. Perhaps.
Justice Minister Alma Zadić has guaranteed independent legal support for asylum seekers. This has allayed well grounded fears of political pressuring. For now.
Online
“We Are Not the United States of Europe”
Karin Kneissl, former Foreign Minister of Austria, talks politics, diplomacy and Europe's place in the world in an exclusive final interview with Metropole magazine
Online
ÖVP Says Yes to Smoking Ban
With the FPÖ gone, the ÖVP pushes for controversial law in bars and restaurants
Online
Tanks a Lot
Military convoys carrying thousands of soldiers will be crossing Austria on their way to join U.S.-led exercises in the Balkans – but traffic precautions are in place.
Online
Creeping Message Control
Recent government moves appear to be aimed at restricting official data collection and distribution. The opposition sees this as unwarranted interfere...
Online
The Quest for Dignity
Stanford political scientist Francis Fukuyama was in Vienna in early March to talk about the global crisis of democracy. Gaining world fame for his “E...
Features
Europe Goes to the Polls
It is a rainy Friday night, and Ulises is sitting with his girlfriend Laura at a winebar at the Naschmarkt in Vienna. Ulisesis from Madrid and La...
Online
Kickl Seeks Preventive Detention of ‘Dangerous’ Refugees
In a press conference Monday afternoon, Austrian Interior Minister Herbert Kickl (FPÖ) outlined his plans for "Sicherungshaft," a legal change that wo...
Online
“You’re a Young Guy” | Kurz Meets Trump
Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz described his meeting with United States president Donald Trump Wednesday as “very disputatious” in an interview wi...
Online
Papa Stays Home
The Papamonat (paternity leave) has been a PR coup for the present government.
After long opposing a new fathers' right to take a month off work,...
Diplomacy
74, 73, 72 … The Countdown to Brexit Has Begun
Following the rejection of Theresa May’s Brexit plan by a devastating majority of 230 votes in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister (PM) had to fa...
Online
#WienStehtAuf – Why the online community is mocking Sebastian Kurz
What time do you normally get up? Austrian’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz recently made some controversial comments amid the ongoing discussion on welfar...
Opinion
The US Midterms and the Consequences for Europe
The world has watched the US midterm elections spellbound. But for Europe, even the Democratic victory in the house of representative might not bring ...
General
Austria’s Interior Ministry under fire for suggesting blocking “critical media”
On September 24, some troubling news broke: News outlets like Kurier and Der Standard published a leaked email that was sent from within the Interior ...
July/August 2018
The Sebastian Kurz Show
They love him or they hate him: Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is more notorious across Europe than most of his predecessors. Now he is taking ove...
General
Austrian Government Plans to Introduce 12-hour Workday
“Welcome to a new world of work.” A 3-minute animated video with this feel-good title was published on June 18 by the Austrian Economic Chambers (WKO)...
July/August 2018
Female Opposition Mushrooms Against Pilz
Liste Pilz founder Peter Pilz has finally taken his seat in parliament after initially declining it in the wake of sexual harassment allegations again...
Diplomacy
Austria Charms and Courts Putin
When Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Vienna with a 30-minute delay on Tuesday, the military guard of honor stood ready, waiting in th...
How To
5 Things You Need to Know to Vote in the U.S. Elections
Key Reminders from the Federal Voting Assistance Program during Absentee Voting Week
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - With less than two months until the General Ele...