Social Democratic (SPÖ) General Secretary Günther Kräuter has said the possible publication of a “list of disgrace” to increase the pressure on tax dodgers has his party’s unequivocal support. Kräuter told broadcaster ORF yesterday evening (Tues) he backed the idea of Labour Chamber (AK) officials. Leading AK members said Austria should follow the example of […]
Michael Häupl, the mayor of Vienna, has spoken out against a political reform affecting the presidential office. The head of Vienna’s Social Democrats (SPÖ) said yesterday (Tues) the functions and responsibilities of the president of the Republic of Austria could only be changed by holding a referendum since the position’s duties and responsibilities were part […]
Erwin Pröll has suggested not forgetting about the office of the federal president when it comes to making cuts. The provincial governor of Lower Austria – one of the most influential members of the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) – said yesterday (Mon) Austria should consider introducing a model similar to the one used in Switzerland. […]
A parish priest who encouraged clergymen to be “disobedient” towards the Vatican plans to go international. Helmut Schüller of the Preachers’ Initiative said yesterday (Sun) that “2012 will be the year of internationalisation”. Schüller – who previously headed Caritas Austria – said the Austrian Roman Catholic Church should “finally take members seriously”. Schüller criticised the […]
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 […]
A leading Social Democrat (SPÖ) has rejected the People’s Party’s (ÖVP) latest suggestions to economise. ÖVP boss Michael Spindelegger said yesterday (Thurs) that the state could save “more than 10 billion Euros” altogether by 2016 by reducing certain investments. Spindelegger made clear that the agricultural sector would not be spared from austerity measures. However, the […]
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. […]
Michael Ludwig has vowed to improve the quality of services to people living in social housing flats in Vienna. The Viennese Social Democratic (SPÖ) housing councillor told the Kurier newspaper today (Thurs) his department recently raised the number of advice and information checkpoints situated at community housing complexes to 100 in the past months. He […]
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 […]