Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz has defended his statement warning Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan against introducing “splits into Austrian society” during his visit to the country this week. Speaking to Turkish media about his statement, Kurz said many people are worried that Erdoğan might send polarising messages to the Turkish population living in Vienna whilst he […]
Tag: society
By Rob Hyde Austrians are the second most eager shoppers in Europe, according to the Society for Consumer Research (GfK). The figures show that despite fears of a decrease in income, Austrians enjoy shopping more than most of Europe. In order to compile the data the GfK interviewed 1,500 consumers in 12 European countries, awarding […]
Faymann warns against greed in society
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The SPÖ converted its traditional May Parade at Rathausplatz in Vienna to some kind of unofficial election campaign. Chancellor and head of the SPÖ Werner Faymann appealed to his party officials to put “every effort” in the time before the elections. “If the debate at the end of September is: do you want a neoliberal […]
A cuddle club has been set up in Vienna for people who miss physical contact that they can’t get from social media like Facebook and Twitter. Members at http://www.diekuschelparty.at/ have to pledge that they are there just for a good cuddle and not for any sexual reason – and before they can join in on […]
Asparagus season officially opens
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The asparagus season has officially started in Austria and in the heart of asparagus country at Deutsch-Wagram it was a reason to celebrate with a band and an official festival. The now traditional “Spargelgala” is so popular that it has become a magnet for nearby Vienna high society that come to enjoy asparagus in all […]
Frosty reception for Turkish president
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A party founded by late right-winger Jörg Haider has caused a diplomatic rift by announcing that the Turkish president “is not welcome” in Austria.The Alliance for the Future of Austria (BZÖ) was established by Haider in 2005. The party said yesterday (Mon) when Abdullah Gül started a three-day visit to Austria that the […]
Up to four out of 10 young Austrians have smoked marijuana at least once, it has been announced.The Federal Institute for Health said today (Fri) that 26 per cent of Austrians aged between 20 and 24 said they have tried cannabis, LSD, heroin or other drugs at least once. The body also said just four […]
Businesses launch fight against fat
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Dozens of companies across Austria have vowed to fight their employees obesity.Karin Hofer of the Salzburg Medical Insurance (SGKK) said today (Mon) 70 firms based in the province have joined SGKKs health awareness programmes.Hofer told the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper that around one in three of these companies were focusing on obesity as the leading topic.She […]
Four people accused of selling cocaine at a posh Viennese eatery have been arrested.Police in the federal capital announced today (Thurs) that restaurant boss Werner D. had admitted having flogged 1.2 kilograms of the drug to regular customers over the past two years.The 66-year-old as well as three alleged accomplices were taken into custody yesterday […]
Mauthausen wall defaced again
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The outer wall of the former Nazi concentration and death camp at Mauthausen, Upper Austria, was defaced again last Friday night, police said.An unknown party wrote “The blood of Turks and Jews is poisonous,” said Michael Tischlinger, the head of the provincial office for protection of the constitution and the fight against terrorism.He said the […]