The head of one of Austria’s biggest universities has said the current situation at his institution was “dramatic”. Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) boss Christoph Badelt explained yesterday (Mon) that the things were becoming increasingly difficult due to a soaring number of students who qualified to sit their final exams. He said the […]
The president of the parliament has suggested setting up a commission to discuss the latest ideas about how Austria’s political leadership could prove the willingness to economise. Barbara Prammer of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) said in a radio interview this morning (Thurs) she welcomed plans to reform the federal council (Bundesrat). “The Bundesrat is […]
A leading airline caterer will soon provide food for Federal Railways (ÖBB) customers, according to a newspaper. Die Presse reports today (Weds) that ÖBB picked DO&CO to manage on-board catering services of its long-distance trains from April. The state-funded railway company and the Viennese gastronomy enterprise were unavailable for comment. ÖBB is expected to reveal […]
Dozens of schools will be closed this year, the Styrian government has revealed. The province’s coalition of Social Democrats (SPÖ), People’s Party (ÖVP) and Freedom Party (FPÖ) said yesterday (Tues) that it planned to shut down 31 primary schools throughout the 2012/2013 term. Schools with just one class of 20 pupils and fewer would be […]
Another leading credit rating agency has confirmed Austria’s excellent financial condition. US American rating agency Fitch said yesterday (Tues) it decided to keep Austria’s rating at AAA, the best possible estimation agencies issue on the financial trustworthiness and stability of a country or a company. Some experts warned that Fitch might consider downgrading Austria due […]
The Freedom Party (FPÖ) has attacked the People’s Party (ÖVP) over its plan to increase the pension age in the coming years. ÖVP Vice Chancellor Michael Spindelegger announced yesterday (Thurs) his party aimed at raising the actual pension age by four years by 2020. He said a bonus system should ensure that people worked longer. […]
People’s Party (ÖVP) chief Michael Spindelegger has pointed out that his party wants to restore the country’s public budget without tax increases. The foreign minister, who took over when Josef Pröll resigned as ÖVP chief in April 2011, said yesterday (Thurs) his faction found that the state debt could be lowered significantly by austerity measures. […]
An increase of taxes on assets will not help lower the state debt, according to a survey. Researchers of Salzburg University – who cooperated with a tax consultant office to conduct their investigation – said yesterday (Weds) raising Austria’s comparably low taxation rate on assets would not significantly support the government in its current attempt […]
Social Democratic (SPÖ) General Secretary Laura Rudas has defended her party’s intention to increase taxes. The SPÖ wants to raise some taxation rates to restore the budget while its coalition partner, the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP), expressed the intention to concentrate on lowering investments. Rudas said today (Weds) “all experts” were of the opinion that […]
Moody’s has confirmed Austria’s credit rating. The influential rating agency said on Friday it decided not to lower the country’s rating from the best-possible grade of AAA. Moody’s added that it did not touch the Austrian economy’s outlook either. The rating agency explained Austria’s economy was doing well thanks to its muscular export industry. Moody’s […]