Austria Today

Austrian news in English

Friday, January 17, 2025

FPÖ Wins Defamation Case

A Vienna court has ruled in favor of three FPÖ politicians in a defamation case against the newspaper "Der Standard. " The case revolved around a report claiming that an SS-associated song was sung at the funeral of former FPÖ politician Walter Sucher.

Yesterday

Politics

Farewell to Cardinal Schönborn

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn is stepping down as Archbishop of Vienna after nearly 30 years of service. A grand farewell ceremony will take place on January 18 at St.

Yesterday

Religion

Climate Ticket Gets a New Name

Austria's Climate Ticket, a flagship initiative to promote public transport, will not be abolished as previously feared. Instead, the new government plans to rebrand it as the "Austria Ticket" and remove the free year for 18-year-olds.

Yesterday

Politics

FPÖ's Controversial Remarks Spark Tensions

Recent remarks by FPÖ politicians Harald Stefan and Markus Tschank have caused a stir in Austria. During a party meeting, the two criticized their coalition partner ÖVP, calling it "in a miserable state," and suggested Austria should consider leaving the EU.

15 January, 21:24

Politics

Burgenland Votes Begin Early

The Burgenland Landtagswahl 2025 is underway, with 13. 68% of eligible voters already casting their ballots during the early voting day.

15 January, 21:24

Politics

Austria's Inflation: A Mixed Outlook

Austria's inflation rate has shown signs of easing, dropping to 2. 0% in December 2024.

15 January, 21:24

Economy

Austria's Budget Cuts Spark Debate

Austria's government, led by FPÖ and ÖVP, has proposed a €6. 3 billion austerity package to avoid an EU deficit procedure.

15 January, 21:24

Economy

Austria Faces Political Uncertainty

Austria is navigating political uncertainty as ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer announces his resignation following failed coalition talks with the SPÖ. The ÖVP is now exploring a potential coalition with the FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, avoiding new elections.

7 January, 03:06

Politics

Austria Faces Political Crossroads

Protests erupted in Vienna as Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen met with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl to discuss forming a new government. Demonstrators, including groups like "Omas gegen Rechts," voiced concerns over Kickl's potential chancellorship, citing fears of social division and far-right policies.

6 January, 18:15

Politics

Tragic Collision Claims Two Lives

A devastating car crash on Dreikönigstag in Waldviertel, Austria, claimed the lives of two men, aged 61 and 44. The collision occurred on the B2 road between Großrupprechts and Kurzschwarza, with such force that one car's engine block was torn out.

6 January, 18:14

World

Schallenberg Rejects Kickl-Led Government

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has reaffirmed his stance against serving in a government led by FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl. Schallenberg, who has held the position since 2019, stated he would not continue as foreign minister under a coalition between the FPÖ and ÖVP.

6 January, 18:14

Politics

Mikl-Leitner's Islam Comment Sparks Outrage

Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of Lower Austria, has faced backlash after a controversial statement during an ORF interview. She initially called for a "fight against Islam" but later clarified she meant "political Islam.

6 January, 18:14

Politics

Measles Outbreak in Austrian Ski Resort

A measles outbreak has been reported in the ski region of Gosau, Dachstein-West, Upper Austria, prompting health authorities to issue warnings. On December 27, an infected individual unknowingly visited the Sonnenalm restaurant, raising concerns about potential exposure.

5 January, 20:18

Health

Wien Faces Pivotal Election Year

Vienna is gearing up for a crucial election year in 2025, with the city’s municipal elections set for October. Mayor Michael Ludwig’s SPÖ is expected to maintain its lead, but coalition dynamics remain uncertain, with the Greens, ÖVP, and Neos vying for influence.

5 January, 15:54

Politics

Fatal Forest Accident in Austria

A 58-year-old man tragically lost his life during storm damage cleanup in a forest in Hartberg, Austria. While assisting neighbors with clearing fallen trees, he was struck by a massive tree trunk.

5 January, 02:41

Safety

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Resigns

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has announced his resignation as both ÖVP party leader and head of government following the collapse of coalition talks with the SPÖ. The negotiations, centered on budget reforms, failed due to irreconcilable differences, with Nehammer refusing to support wealth and inheritance taxes proposed by the SPÖ.

4 January, 22:19

Politics

Jännerrallye 2025: Thrills and Challenges

The 38th Jännerrallye in Freistadt, Austria, has kicked off with intense action and challenging conditions. Snow and ice have made the rally treacherous, with drivers facing tough decisions on tire choices.

4 January, 22:19

Sports

Burgenland Faces Pivotal Election

The upcoming Burgenland state election on January 19, 2025, is shaping up to be a critical turning point for the region. The Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), which has held the governorship since 1964, faces a tough challenge to maintain its absolute majority.

4 January, 13:34

Politics

Stroller Fire Traps Residents in Vienna

A fire broke out in a residential building in Vienna-Favoriten on Friday afternoon, caused by two burning strollers in the stairwell. The incident led to a major emergency response, with 37 people requiring medical attention and five hospitalized.

4 January, 13:34

Local News

Tragic Ski Accident in Tyrol

A tragic skiing accident claimed the life of a 23-year-old Dutch man on Friday at the Stubai Glacier in Austria's Tyrol region. The young skier, accompanied by his brother and a friend, ventured off the secured slopes into unmarked terrain.

4 January, 08:59

World

Sebastian Kurz Comeback Rumors Intensify

Speculation about former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's return to politics has surged following the collapse of coalition talks between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos. The failure of these negotiations has left Austria's political landscape in turmoil, with some ÖVP insiders suggesting Kurz as a potential candidate in the event of new elections.

4 January, 08:59

Politics

Austria Braces for Ice Storm

Austria is set to experience dramatic weather changes in the coming days. A warm front arriving on Sunday will bring rain and rising temperatures, but it poses a significant risk of black ice, especially in regions like Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, and Vienna.

4 January, 00:23

Weather

Austria Faces Political Uncertainty

Austria's political landscape is in turmoil as coalition talks for the so-called "Zuckerlkoalition" have collapsed. The NEOS party withdrew from negotiations, citing irreconcilable differences over budget reforms.

3 January, 19:59

Politics

Neos Exit Shakes Austrian Politics

The Neos party has withdrawn from coalition talks with the ÖVP and SPÖ, citing a lack of progress on key reforms. Party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger announced the decision, emphasizing that the Neos would not support a government unwilling to tackle long-term issues like pension reform.

3 January, 15:28

Politics

German Tourist Dies After Alpine Hut Visit

A 62-year-old German tourist tragically passed away on Thursday afternoon in St. Michael, Salzburg Lungau.

3 January, 15:28

World