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TODAY IN AUSTRIA

Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday

Find out what's going on in Austria on Wednesday with The Local's short roundup of today's important news.

Published: 26 May 2021 09:16 CEST
It has been the worst May for 25 years. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP)
It has been the coldest May for 25 years. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP)

Further easing of restrictions planned

A further easing of Austria’s pandemic restrictions is expected on June 10th, broadcaster ORF reports.

According to the Minister of Health, the plan is to relax the mask requirement, move the curfew back to midnight, double the number of people per table at restaurants and allow larger celebrations such as weddings. The opening steps of course depend on how the situation in Austria progresses. 

Austria’s Green Pass to be launched 

Austria’s governing coalition (ÖVP and Greens) hopes to launch its Green Pass on Wednesday at a special session of the National Council.

The change in the law forms the legal basis for electronic proof of vaccination, recovery or testing to be provided by means of a QR code. The opposition SPÖ have signalled they will approve the legislation, meaning the Federal Council is unlikely to block it, ORF reports 

READ MORE: Austria to implement nationwide immunity card by mid-May

Free quarantine for tourists in Vienna

Vienna will offer free quarantine for tourists, if they become infected during a stay in the capital and need to isolate, at a location at the Steinhof and the Hotel de France, broadcaster ORF reports. Tourists can also use the city’s PCR tests and the Wien Gurgelt offer free of charge. 

READ MORE: How can tourists and visitors in Austria get a free Covid test?

The Hotel Sacher, the Palais Hansen Kempinski and the Hotel Park Hyatt also offer tests for guests in-house. It reports Vienna’s cultural establishment reports good ticket sales.

READ MORE: How can tourists and visitors in Austria get a free covid test

Coldest May since 1996

It has been the coldest May in Austria since 1996, the Krone newspaper reports. The weather is only expected to improve at the beginning of June. 

Austria bans direct flights from UK

As The Local reported yesterday, Austria has decided  to ban direct flights from the UK from June 1st due to concerns over the so called Indian variant. In practice, this means only Austrian citizens and residents can enter the country from the UK. 

READ MORE: Austria to reinstate ban on direct flights from UK

Unemployment falls in Styria

Unemployment has fallen rapidly in Styria since Austria opened up on May 19th, broadcaster ORF reports. Karl-Heinz Snobe, Managing Director of the Styrian Employment Service said 23 percent fewer people were unemployed since the beginning of May. 

Seven day incidence at 45.3

The seven-day incidence, or the number of new infections with the coronavirus in the past seven days per 100,000 inhabitants, is 45.3. In all federal states the number is now well below 100 – with Vorarlberg (73.8) and Burgenland (27.2) having the highest and lowest values ​​respectively.

Survey finds Kurz should resign if he is indicted

A majority of the Austrian population believe Chancellor Sebastian Kurz should resign if he is found to have given false testimony to the Ibiza committee. The Krone newspaper reports 58 percent of those questioned said Kurz should resign if indicted.

READ MORE: Austrian Chancellor Kurz sees image dented as he faces investigations

Reform package for sentencing 

Austria’s Justice Minister Zadic [Greens] presented a first reform package with Interior Minister Nehammer [ÖVP] following criticism from The European Court of Human Rights over sentencing for people with mental illness and younger people. There will also be longer sentencing for re-offenders involved with terrorism, the Wiener Zeitung newspaper reports 

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TODAY IN AUSTRIA

Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday

Austria inflation at 4.1 percent, Austrian Airlines workers threaten strikes, Austria to ban carrying knives in public spaces and more news from Austria on Wednesday.

Published: 17 April 2024 09:56 CEST
Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday

Austria’s Inflation Stalls at 4.1 percent in March

According to data released by Statistics Austria on Wednesday, Austria’s inflation rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent in March. This follows a downward revision for February, bringing both months to the lowest inflation since October 2021.

“While food prices are showing some relief, other areas are putting upward pressure on inflation,” said Statistics Austria Director General Tobias Thomas. Food prices rose 3.2% in February, a significant decrease compared to overall inflation. However, electricity and fuel costs no longer dampen price increases year-on-year but contribute slightly.

While still high, overall inflation has eased in recent months, particularly in the key food area. This suggests a potential slowdown in price increases moving forward.

What we know so far about Austria’s new €2,000 grant for home improvements

Austria wants to stimulate the real estate and construction sectors and is offering grants to homeowners who have had work done on their homes.

Austria Proposes Ban on Carrying Knives in Public Spaces

Austria’s Interior Minister has proposed a nationwide ban on carrying knives in public spaces, with some exceptions.

The draft law, titled “Knife Carry Prohibition Act,” prohibits most knives in public areas, parks, sporting facilities, leisure areas, public transport, educational facilities, and childcare centres. Exceptions include transporting knives in a secure container, such as a bag or backpack.

The ban applies regardless of blade length, meaning even pocket knives like Swiss Army knives will be restricted. However, exemptions are made for traditional customs and specific professions. For example, carrying a stag knife in traditional leather trousers at a Kirtag festival would be allowed.

The preparation and consumption of food, sports activities, historical reenactments, and educational purposes are also exempt. The sale of knives remains unrestricted.

Those caught violating the ban face fines of up to €3,600 or imprisonment for up to six weeks.

The proposal comes after Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced plans for a general weapons ban, focusing on knives, last month. This draft law now awaits further discussion and approval.

Austrian Airlines Cabin Crew Rejects Contract Offer, Strike Threat Looms Again

Austrian Airlines (AUA) cabin crew overwhelmingly rejected the company’s latest collective labour agreement offer, raising the possibility of renewed strikes.

In a vote held by the vida union, 90 percent of participating members opposed the offer, with a high turnout of 88 percent. The union represents around 60 percent of AUA’s cabin crew.

AUA’s proposal included an 8 percent wage increase for 2024, followed by 5 percent increases in 2025 and 2026. However, the union is pushing for salary parity with their counterparts at Lufthansa, AUA’s parent company.

Negotiations between vida and AUA management continued Tuesday evening, but the previous dispute resulted in strikes, work stoppages, and hundreds of flight cancellations. The union previously warned of further strikes if the offer was rejected. Passengers should brace for potential disruptions.

AUA maintains that their offer was “very good” and that it reached the “limit of the company’s economic performance.” The airline suffered a €122 million loss in the first quarter, the second-worst in its history, which AUA blames partly on the union’s actions.

If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles, or news tips for The Local, you can contact us at [email protected] or leave a comment below.

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