The president of the parliament has suggested setting up a commission to discuss the latest ideas about how Austria’s political leadership could prove the willingness to economise. Barbara Prammer of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) said in a radio interview this morning (Thurs) she welcomed plans to reform the federal council (Bundesrat). “The Bundesrat is […]
The highest representatives of the Austrian Catholic Church gathered with Vatican officials to speak about a group of priests who declared themselves “disobedient”, it has emerged. The Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper revealed yesterday (Weds) that Viennese Archbishop Christoph Cardinal Schönborn and two other members of the Conference of Austrian Bishops, went to Rome on Monday to […]
Austrian Airlines (AUA) has confirmed plans to freeze staff’s wages. Speculations about which measures new AUA chief Jaan Albrecht has in mind as part of his cost reduction strategy have made the rounds for some weeks. Now a spokesman for the company disclosed that the plan was to abolish terms in contracts which guaranteed employees […]
Michael Häupl, the mayor of Vienna, has spoken out against a political reform affecting the presidential office. The head of Vienna’s Social Democrats (SPÖ) said yesterday (Tues) the functions and responsibilities of the president of the Republic of Austria could only be changed by holding a referendum since the position’s duties and responsibilities were part […]
A leading airline caterer will soon provide food for Federal Railways (ÖBB) customers, according to a newspaper. Die Presse reports today (Weds) that ÖBB picked DO&CO to manage on-board catering services of its long-distance trains from April. The state-funded railway company and the Viennese gastronomy enterprise were unavailable for comment. ÖBB is expected to reveal […]
Social Democratic (SPÖ) General Secretary Günther Kräuter has said the possible publication of a “list of disgrace” to increase the pressure on tax dodgers has his party’s unequivocal support. Kräuter told broadcaster ORF yesterday evening (Tues) he backed the idea of Labour Chamber (AK) officials. Leading AK members said Austria should follow the example of […]
A downturn of the economy could lead to an increase of illicit work in Austria, an expert on the issue has warned. Friedrich Schneider of the Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) said yesterday (Tues) he expected illicit employment to decline by 1.1 per cent this year compared to 2011 if the domestic economy stabilised. Schneider […]
The pressure is increasing on People’s Party (ÖVP) Environment Minister Nikolaus Berlakovich as he keeps refusing to reduce spending on the agricultural sector. The environment and agriculture minister claimed yesterday (Tues) subsidies on the domestic agricultural industry were ensuring farmers’ existence. He warned that cuts could ruin the Austrian agricultural sector. His appeal comes after […]
The first German language Facebook novel in Austrian universities The world’s first German language Facebook-Novel known as “Zwirbler” is now to appear on screens in universities around Austria. Despite interactive novels becoming increasingly popular, in which readers can contribute and alter the plot as they wish, Gergely Teglasy (TG) claims to be the creator of […]
Erwin Pröll has suggested not forgetting about the office of the federal president when it comes to making cuts. The provincial governor of Lower Austria – one of the most influential members of the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) – said yesterday (Mon) Austria should consider introducing a model similar to the one used in Switzerland. […]