Fekter says sorry for ‘anti-Semitic’ statements

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Politics

People’s Party (ÖVP) Finance Minister Maria Fekter has apologised after comparing today’s criticism of bankers with the Nazis’ persecution of Europe’s Jewish community. The federal minister warned on Friday current developments could escalate to “what resulted in wars twice.” Fekter said after a meeting of the European Union’s (EU) ministers of finance in Wroclaw, Poland: […]

Greek bankruptcy worse than Lehman, says Trittin

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Politics

Jürgen Trittin has warned of more dramatic effects than after the collapse of Lehman Brothers if Europe allows Greece to go bust. The influential German Green Party official told Austrian newspaper Die Presse today (Tues) he was certain an insolvency of the struggling Southern European country would have a more serious impact on developments on […]

Circus boss on issues caused by EU light bulb ban

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General News

The director of one of Europe’s most loved circuses has revealed how European Union (EU) regulations affect his activities. Asked by magazine profil whether the EU’s recent ban of old-fashioned light bulbs enforced special measures at the Circus Roncalli, Bernhard Paul said: “I bought all (old version) models I could get hold of in Germany […]

Sinn warns of Eurozone ‘self-service shops’

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Finance

One of Europe’s most influential economists has unleashed an extraordinary attack on the continent’s political elite. Hans-Werner Sinn – who heads the Institute for Economic Research (IFO) in Munich, Germany – has become one of the most outspoken critics of the European Union’s (EU) steps in reaction to the debt crisis of Eurozone members like […]

Faymann wants European rating agency

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Finance

The Austrian Social Democrats’ (SPÖ) appeal to install a European credit rating agency has found prominent support. Siemens board member Brigitte Ederer said today (Weds) she had been in favour of the idea “for many years.” The former SPÖ state secretary told radio station Ö1 that the “dominance” of US American institutions “had consequences.” Ederer […]

Basel III fears over positive bankruptcy trend

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Business

The Austrian economy seems to reassert itself, new figures presented by a creditors’ protection organisation show. The Creditors’ Protection Association of 1870 (KSV) said today (Weds) that 1,672 companies declared bankruptcy in the first half of this year. This is a three per cent decrease compared to the first six months of 2010, according to […]

Jazz Fest Vienna brings the stars to the city

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Culture

A string of international superstars and some of the most celebrated young artists of the world of pop, blues and jazz are set to rock the Austrian capital this summer. The Jazz Fest Vienna is the perfect pick for music enthusiasts looking for first class performances in some of the city’s best venues such as […]

Economic ties at risk due to Turkey-bashing, says Vranitzky

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Politics

Franz Vranitzky has expressed doubts whether Austrian businesspeople feel represented by the country’s politicians due to their “inexplicable bashing of Turkey.”The former Social Democratic (SPÖ) chancellor said today (Fri) it was “not plausible” why Austria has made itself the “spearhead” of European countries opposing a Turkish accession of the European Union (EU).”I just don’t understand […]

Long jams at long weekend likely, experts warn

Categories
General News

Traffic experts have warned of immense tailbacks on motorways across the country this weekend.Car clubs informed motorists jams of up to 30 kilometres (km) were possible at some of Austria’s highways such as the A10 Tauern motorway and the A13 Brenner motorway.They pointed out today (Fri) that tens of thousands of Germans were expected to […]

BA ‘scraps HGAA takeover endeavour’

Categories
Finance

Bank Austria (BA) has decided to abstain from taking over struggling rival Hypo Group Alpe Adria (HGAA), according to a report.The Kurier newspaper writes today (Fri) that BA decided not to acquire HGAA’s Austrian department. Only in March, the BA CEO Willibald Cernko said it would be “highly ignorant” to rule out an investment due […]