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 […]
Johannes Hahn, the European commissioner for regional policy, has made clear that Greece will not receive any additional financial support by his department before the year after next. The former Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) science minister told the Salzburger Nachrichten on Saturday that it had been previously agreed how much money the European Union’s (EU) […]
The feud of the government parties is intensifying after People’s Party (ÖVP) whip Karlheinz Kopf accused the chancellor of engaging in a class war. Kopf told the Kurier yesterday (Sun) that Werner Faymann would have to accept the main responsibility for a possible failure to agree to a savings package within the agreed deadline. Social […]
Salzburg’s Social Democrats (SPÖ) have made their appeal for tuition fees official. The provincial branch of the SPÖ supported a draft bill created by the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) yesterday (Weds). SPÖ and ÖVP plan to finalise their concept for an appeal to the federal government coalition next week. This decision could intensify the ongoing […]
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 […]
The Association of Austrian Taxpayers has spoken out against the creation of a list of tax dodgers. The organisation said yesterday (Weds) that a decision like that would mean a “step backwards” in modern civil society. It stressed that not everyone accused of tax evasion was a criminal. “Many people whose names may be found […]
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. […]
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 […]