Peoples Party (ÖVP) Vice Chancellor Josef Pröll has warned of “dangerous developments” as European Union (EU) member states have backed out of the previously agreed upon support package for Greece.Speaking about the Czech Republics and Slovakias decision not to contribute to the 110-billion-Euro rescue bid agreed upon last May, he said today (Thurs): “Neighbouring countries […]
Four people accused of selling cocaine at a posh Viennese eatery have been arrested.Police in the federal capital announced today (Thurs) that restaurant boss Werner D. had admitted having flogged 1.2 kilograms of the drug to regular customers over the past two years.The 66-year-old as well as three alleged accomplices were taken into custody yesterday […]
Doomed Triumph staff to work part time
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Employees at underwear and lingerie manufacturer Triumph International AGs Hartberg factory will work part time for the next few months, it has been revealed just weeks after firm chiefs announced plans to lay off everyone.The internationally operating Swiss firm said in June that all 291 staff would be made redundant by 31 October when the […]
New law bans Under-18s from solariums
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Austrian teenagers are banned from tanning shops as of today (Weds) amid skin cancer fears.The law preventing Under-18s from using tanning salons in the country was agreed upon by all five parties represented in the Austrian parliament last year.The government stressed managers of solariums, hotel bosses and other businessmen face fines of up to 2,180 […]
FPÖ boss wants minarets referendum
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Freedom Party (FPÖ) leader Heinz-Christian Strache has announced a referendum over minarets if he wins the upcoming Vienna election.The right-winger announced today (Tues) he will hold a referendum to let residents decide whether they want a law preventing the construction of minarets in the capital.He said: “I will immediately hold a referendum over the issue […]
Transsexual allowed to teach
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Austrias first transsexual teacher has been given the all clear to work by the education ministry after a sex change operation.The man turned woman named only as Walter S. caused outcry among some parents by informing her students via e-mail at a polytechnic in Vienna-Margareten that she will be a woman when everyone returns for […]
Former model Heather Mills won the ladies competition as she spontaneously took part in an army shooting contest on the weekend.Kleine Zeitung newspaper reports today (Mon) that the ex-wife of Beatles legend Paul McCartney turned up at the shooting competition of the Austrian armys East Tyrol division in Lavant and came first in the […]
Police in Austria and Serbia revealed plans to join forces in investigating alleged money-laundering activities by Serbian crooks and former Hypo Group Alpe Adria (HGAA) officials.Austrian media claimed last week ex-HGAA decision-makers cooperated with an infamous Serbian drug lord for years.Reports had it that “Balkan cocaine king” Darko Saric laundered around 100 million Euros between […]
Peoples Party (ÖVP) Interior Minister Maria Fekter said she was “alarmed” by rising asylum application figures.The minister said today (Mon) around 800 foreigners have asked for asylum in Austria every month between January and July, adding that the number of monthly applications could reach 1,300 at the end of August.Fekter claimed this development was an […]
Kulterer remains in custody
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Former Hypo Group Alpe Adria (HGAA) boss Wolfgang Kulterer has had his custody extended.Klagenfurt prosecutors announced today (Mon) they decided to extend the bankers detention over fears he might flee and try to cover up potential crimes previously carried out by him in connection with the near collapse of HGAA.Kulturer was arrested on 13 August. […]