Free Tibet marches tarnish Hu visit

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Politics

Hundreds of people took to the streets to protest against China’s stance on human rights and democracy as Heinz Fischer welcomed Hu Jintao at Hofburg Palace in Vienna this morning (Mon). The Austrian president discussed economic issues with his Chinese counterpart as they met for the first time since Fischer went on a state visit […]

Buying bank shares is an option, minister admits

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Finance

People’s Party (ÖVP) Economy Minister Reinhold Mitterlehner has revealed that Austria would acquire banking stocks to save the finance institutes from ruin in the worsening economic crisis. Mitterlehner told national broadcaster ORF yesterday (Sun) that the Republic of Austria was ready to buy bank shares in a worst case scenario. Assumption of liabilities and paying […]

Forced marriage law extension likely

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Politics

People’s Party (ÖVP) State Secretary Sebastian Kurz has called for a reform of Austria’s anti-forced marriage law. Forced marriages are not a criminal offence under the current regulations if carried out abroad. Austrians and people living in Austria are facing legal consequences for such actions only if this kind of marriage occurs within the country’s […]

Röttgen rules out electricity shortage

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Politics

German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen has emphasised that his country would not be facing an energy supply crisis this winter despite its farewell to nuclear technology. The German government coalition of CDU, Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) decided around half a year ago to order […]

Salary accord a ‘burden’, says Sorger

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Business

Federation of Industries (IV) chief Veit Sorger has warned that yesterday’s (Tues) metal industry salary negotiations agreement would “intensify the pressure on companies to rationalise.” Sorger is quoted by the Kurier as saying that the agreement – under which the 165,000 workers will get 4.2 per cent more from November – was a “great burden” […]

Norway massacre theories MP quits

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Politics

A right-wing member of the federal parliament (MP) has retired from politics after coming under fire for belittling a massacre. Fellow Freedom Party (FPÖ) members and left-wing competitors hit out at Werner Königshofer after he felt urged to emphasise that the “Islamic threat has struck Europe a thousand times more often” than self-styled Christian warriors […]

Gusenbauer on Harvard and Eurozone turmoil

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Politics

Alfred Gusenbauer has revealed details of his engagement at one of the best universities in the world. The former Social Democratic (SPÖ) chancellor told newspaper Die Presse yesterday (Mon) he was about to become a permanent lecturer at Harvard University. The institute – which is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States – is […]

Peter Gabriel wants ‘generous’ Israel

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Culture

Pop star Peter Gabriel has disclosed his current priorities and his take on the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Asked why he did not release any new material in nearly 10 years, the ex-Genesis front man told Austrian newspaper Kurier yesterday (Sun): “I will start working on some new stuff in January. I’ve got many […]

Austrians see high multiethnic conflict potential

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Politics

A new survey has revealed a significant potential for conflicts between Austrians and foreigners. A poll by the Centre for Future Studies of Salzburg’s FH higher education college shows that 53 per cent of Austrians considered the change that existing difficulties in the coexistence of themselves and immigrants could worsen as “very high”. Around 45 […]

More students as tuition fee feud continues

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Politics

Five times more students will start courses at Austria’s universities when the semester starts next week than in 1970, statistics have shown. Official data presented by Statistik Austria on Wednesday revealed that more than 265,000 people will study at the country’s universities and colleges in the upcoming semester. This is a strong increase compared to […]