In Graz, Austria, a heated debate has erupted over the city's budget allocations for 2025 and 2026, highlighting a long-standing tension between funding for sports and culture.

The city, grappling with a significant debt of 1.7 billion euros, has proposed cuts to the sports budget while increasing cultural funding, sparking protests from the sports community.

Despite the uproar, Mayor Elke Kahr has reallocated 150,000 euros each to both the sports and cultural sectors, attempting to address the concerns.

However, this move has not fully appeased the sports advocates, who argue that the funding disparity remains.

The opposition has voiced strong criticism, with 293 objections raised during the municipal council meeting, yet the budget was ultimately approved.

The controversy underscores the challenges Graz faces in balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs.