Minister pledges social work law improvements

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Politics

Political decision-makers have promised to introduce a law to clarify uncertain aspects of the legal framework that Austria’s community workers are confronted with.Social Democratic (SPÖ) Labour and Social Issues Minister Rudolf Hundstorfer announced today (Weds) that he will raise the issue in parliament soon. The minister explained that people willing to do unpaid social work […]

Support for end of conscription wanes

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Politics

Support for the abolition of mandatory military service in Austria is in decline, a new poll has shown.Vienna-based agency Karmasin found only 41 per cent of Austrians oppose the current six-month obligatory service, down from 48 per cent in July.The agency, which spoke to around 500 Austrians for political magazine profil, further found that 44 […]

Only the fittest for scaled-down army, says ÖVP

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Politics

The People’s Party (ÖVP) has suggested the Austrian army should be able to pick only the best young Austrians to serve the mandatory six-month service.ÖVP Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger and the party’s Interior Minister Maria Fekter said today (Fri) they wanted to give the army the right to call up only the 10,000 most-skilled of […]

SPÖ makes shock U-turn on conscription

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Politics

Leading Social Democrats (SPÖ) have spoken out in favour of a referendum about conscription in what is regarded as a sensational U-turn on the issue.SPÖ Vienna Mayor Michael Häupl suggested yesterday (Mon) people should decide on whether young Austrians should still have to serve in the army. Around 25,000 men aged 18 or 19 receive […]

Darabos eyes new peace missions as conscription debate intensifies

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Politics

A statement by Social Democratic (SPÖ) Defence Minister Norbert Darabos has fuelled speculations Austria would contribute in more international peace-keeping missions in the future.Looking back on 50 years of international engagement, the minister said today (Weds) he “cannot rule out” Austria will participate in peace-keeping missions in Africa. Austrian troops were sent to Chad in […]