Spring 2021

“Corruption has been with us as long as mankind, but there’s been progress: If you can’t expect to get away with something, you might think twice about committing it.”

Recent reports from Transparency International and Reporters without Borders show that corruption in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe is on the rise as freedom of the press plummets.

The city’s street art scene has a cast of eccentric, irreverent and fascinating people – but one intriguing encounter can lead to another, unwanted, one.

The lure of Alpinism is stronger than ever– but there’s more to it than just the ascent. It’s about discovering the world from above, and the things in yourself that got you there.

While the Great Powers wrestled over the fate of the Adriatic city-state of Fiume, its residents had their own sense of who they were, argues historian Dominique K. Reill.

The 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive seeks to curb terrorist financing and money laundering by forcing companies in the so-called “crypto sector” out in the open.

Settled behind closed doors a century ago, these devastating treaties were greeted with celebratory gunfire across France, leaving Central Europe in tatters and echoes of disharmony across the continent.

Getting to know Viennese aquaintances has numerous pitfalls, from square footages to mentioning the war.

The bakery rides the crest of artisanal baking while reviving a delectable local tradition.

“Politicians think we don’t like Vienna. In fact, the opposite is true: We’re critical because we love this city that much."

Finding good fish to cook at home just got a lot easier. A new stand on the Karmelitermarkt is a good place to go.

Austrian companies thrive all across Central and Eastern Europe. From kickbacks to bribes, booming business often also involves layers of corruption.

The Nobel-Prize-winning chemist Emanuelle Charpentier laid the groundwork for her stunning scientific discoveries at the Max Perutz Labs in the Austrian capital.

Anne Applebaum introduces us to the elites responsible for democratic backsliding in her new book, Twilight of Democracy.

“I’ve got what you might call ‘helper syndrome.’ Being a lawyer is not just a profession for me – it’s a calling.”

Austria’s pandemic response upheld the country’s long tradition of opaque administration and little accountability – a special report.

Rather than elaborate historicism, the buildings are in the lighter, more playful Jugendstil style.

“Corruption will never be 100% eradicated. But it’s important to set parameters and structures that show people that in the end, corruption doesn’t pay.”

The new deputy mayor has ambitious plans to improve the schools and launch an independent office to fight corruption ... big ideas for the junior coalition partner.

In the wine ratings game, the big names often get the big scores, while smaller growers suspect the system is rigged. Whom can you trust?

Austria is a cultural powerhouse and more than willing to invest public funds in the arts. But where does all the money go?

Maintaining the highest quality of life in the world is a costly endeavor – thankfully, there is always someone out there gullible enough to pay the bills. A satirical look at Austrian corruption.

Best known as the author of a children’s classic and (possibly) a pornographic novel, Felix Salten has never been given his due in his hometown – until now, that is

Work on coronavirus has highjacked science, disrupting projects and schedules, particularly for women. Some see a chance to turn the crisis into opportunities for breakthrough thinking

From the Finance Ministry to the World Bank and Transparency International, Economist Kurt Bayer sniffs out all kinds of corruption. Although sometimes, it just presents itself.

Print media received unprecedented public advertising during the pandemic, but a lack of transparency raises questions about how taxpayers’ money is being spent.

Metropole's publisher introduces the spring issue, which is all about corruption.

With the dismantling of Official Secrecy Laws in Austria, real transformation will require a change of culture.

Austria is no more corrupt than other European countries – although possibly more colorful. But the consequences for wrongdoers are often laughably mild. This may be changing.

In our 42nd issue we take a look at the history and status quo of corruption in Austria and Europe, speak to the fighters for transparency, and take ...

Explore our curated selection of the hottest boutiques, eateries, and spots around town this season, hand-picked by the Metropole Team.