Austria will no longer support “Olympic tourists”, the country’s sports minister Norbert Darabos said in an interview with the Kurier newspaper. Promising a major shake-up of state support for competitors after the country failed to win a summer Olympic Games medal for the first time in half a century. Legislation to be crafted this year […]
The pressure on Social Democratic (SPÖ) Defence and Sport Minister Norbert Darabos is increasing as a new Audit Office (RH) examination indicates a waste of taxpayers’ money by the army. The RH announced yesterday (Tues) that 2,059 army employees were inactive in 2010. The institution said that these circumstances cost the state 66.1 million Euros […]
Norbert Darabos has refused to apologise after attacking Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. The Austrian Social Democratic (SPÖ) defence minister told Die Presse on Sunday that Lieberman was an “unbearable” member of the Israeli government to him. Darabos criticised the nationalist politician for refusing to rule out an Israeli attack against Iran due to the […]
Defence Minister Norbert Darabos has hit back after a fellow Social Democrat (SPÖ) suggested to sell Austria’s Eurofighter jet fleet. SPÖ General Secretary Günther Kräuter said on Sunday Austria could get rid of its 15 fighter aircraft due to non-existent war concerns. Kräuter argued the alpine country was under higher financial and economic risk these […]
A high-ranking army official fired for allegedly letting his girlfriend shoot a raunchy film in the attic of a barracks wants his job back.The sacked majors lawyer said today (Weds) he had doubts whether the decision to dismiss his client was standing on a solid legal framework. He explained that the federal defence ministry […]
Political decision-makers have promised to introduce a law to clarify uncertain aspects of the legal framework that Austrias 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 […]
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 […]
Freedom Party (FPÖ) chief Heinz-Christian Strache is outraged over “gender disparities” at the defence ministry after female employees were given flower seeds on Valentines Day.The opposition right-winger asked Social Democratic (SPÖ) Defence Minister Norbert Darabos in an official enquiry: “Does work by male staff count for less at your ministry?”Darabos yesterday (Mon) hit back at […]
A fighter jet was damaged during landing yesterday (Weds) as the runway was slippery after a heavy rainfall.Officials at the army base in Zeltweg, Styria, said today the Eurofighter pilot had to use the jets parachute to create a braking effect. Its bottom panel and engine were damaged in the landing procedure, they added.Austrian army […]