Former Peoples Party (ÖVP) boss Josef Pröll is to head an internationally operating agricultural company.The Lower Austrian-Viennese branch of Raiffeisen Austrias biggest private employer announced yesterday (Weds) that the ex-finance minister will take over at its affiliate Leipnik-Lundenburger Invest Beteiligungs AG (LLI) next month. Pröll agreed with supervisory board officials on a five-year […]
A controversial right-winger has higher approval ratings than new Peoples Party (ÖVP) boss Michael Spindelegger.Research firm Karmasin found in a poll for magazine profil that 13 per cent of Austrians want Heinz-Christian Strache (FPÖ), head of the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ), to become the countrys next chancellor. Only 12 per cent say the same about […]
The Freedom Party (FPÖ) has questioned Federal President Heinz Fischers approach to democracy over controversial statements in a recent interview.Fischer a former Social Democratic (SPÖ) president of the federal parliament and science minister told the Kurier newspaper some days ago that he would not have to inaugurate FPÖ boss Heinz-Christian Strache as federal […]
The Austrian government has reduced its travel expenses.A parliamentary enquiry by the Freedom Party (FPÖ) showed yesterday (Thurs) that the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the Peoples Party (ÖVP) spent 2.2 million Euros on 220 trips abroad last year, less than in 2004 and 2008. Figures for 2009 have not been disclosed since no parliamentary faction […]
Austrian Industry-Holding Stock Corporation (ÖIAG) head Peter Michaelis has claimed that the sale of Austrian Airlines (AUA) to Lufthansa was a “success”.The Austrian government coalition of the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the Peoples Party (ÖVP) assigned ÖIAG to sell a major stake of AUA when it became clear that the airline was at risk of […]
Officials in Austria are at odds over Freedom Party (FPÖ) leader Heinz-Christian Straches decision to travel to Israel.The right-winger visited Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a territory Palestinians are also claiming. Speaking about the ongoing conflict about the area and the throwbacks the peace talks have suffered, Strache said in the West Bank area […]
Peter Michaelis will not apply for another term as head of Federal Industry-Holding Stock Corporation (ÖIAG), it has emerged.A spokeswoman for ÖIAG announced today (Fri) that the businessman, whose contract ends next June, did not have any plans to suggest an extension of his contract. She refused to reveal any names for potential successors, but […]
Social Democratic (SPÖ) Chancellor Werner Faymann appealed to Israeli leaders to lift the Gaza Strip embargo as he met with the countrys Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday (Weds).Faymann explained: “We (the Austrian government) want Israel to end the embargo of the Gaza Strip.”The chancellor stressed at the same time that he accepted that goods transported […]
Social Democratic (SPÖ) Chancellor Werner Faymanns visit to Israel will be the first of the head of state since the violent incident on an international aid ship last month.Nine activists were killed and dozens injured when Israeli soldiers captured the Mavi Marmara in international waters. The incident sparked worldwide outcry and sharp criticism of Israels […]
Labour Chamber (AK) chief Herbert Tumpel has appealed to the government not to raise taxes on car fuel.”Higher petrol taxes are out of the question,” Tumpel said today (Weds).The AK boss further argued: “An increase of taxes on car fuel would burden those with little income and workers who need to use their cars to […]