Austrian rents up 80 percent since 2010, calls for subsidy reform

In the second quarter of 2024, rents in Austria increased by over 5 percent compared to the previous year, with the average monthly rent now at €9.8 per square metre.

 Statistik Austria reports that including operating costs, the average rent per main rental flat reached €649.2 per month, partly due to inflation-related rent increases tied to value protection clauses.

Since 2010, rents have surged by 80 percent, with even cooperative and council flats seeing increases of over 55 percent. Operating costs in the second quarter stood at €2.5 per square metre. The Chamber of Labour (AK) has called for improved access to housing subsidies, as the number of applicants has fallen by 27 percent since 2013.

A study by the Centre for European Welfare Policy suggests that a third of eligible households do not apply for housing benefits, with AK President Andreas Stangl citing overly complex application processes as a major barrier.

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NGOs urge parties to reject FPÖ coalition ahead of elections

The NGOs Fridays for Future and SOS Mitmensch have issued an open letter urging all political parties running in Austria’s National Council elections to rule out any coalition with the FPÖ. They criticised the FPÖ for not distancing itself from far-right groups like the ‘Identitarians’ and Germany’s AfD.

Several civil society groups, including the Mauthausen Committee and Aufstehn, back the letter.at, ATTAC Austria, and Omas gegen Rechts.

The Greens have also supported the Promise for the Republic initiative, vowing not to support an FPÖ-led government.

In a separate effort, the Austrian Democracy Platform has launched an awareness campaign addressing the problematic use of the term “People’s Chancellor” by FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl. Historically used in Nazi propaganda for Adolf Hitler, the term’s re-emergence has sparked a call for discussion.

Former Linz Mayor Klaus Luger investigated for embezzlement

The Linz public prosecutor’s office has officially launched an investigation into former mayor Klaus Luger (SPÖ) over allegations of embezzlement. Prosecutor spokesperson Reinhard Huemer-Steiner confirmed a well-founded suspicion against Luger based on details from the Brucknerhaus affair.

The investigation follows the leak of hearing questions in which Luger had claimed they were sent anonymously to Kerschbaum, though a chat between the two later proved this false. Police are now gathering documents, and Luger, along with others involved, will be questioned.

Karin Hörzing, Luger’s interim successor, has declined to comment further, noting that the public prosecutor’s investigation and a special Control Committee meeting on September 10th are ongoing. There is also speculation that Luger has reimbursed the city for the expert opinion, which could lead to a diversion instead of a prison sentence if the damages, estimated between €3,000 and €300,000, are compensated.

The Linz People’s Party calls for an urgent city council discussion on “abuse of power in Linz,” criticising the perceived silence surrounding Luger’s actions.

READ MORE: ‘I regret my mistake’: Why is the mayor of Linz resigning?

Lake Attersee may impose parking ban due to wild campers

As reported by the Kurier newspaper, a night-time parking ban at Lake Attersee may soon be enforced due to the rising number of wild campers. 

Richard Steinkogler from the Vöcklabruck district administration confirmed that a regulation is under review but still in the planning stages.

The exact details, such as the timing and locations of the ban, are yet to be finalised. The district authority said it cannot introduce a blanket ban and must balance the needs of locals and bathers. Currently, littering and overcrowded car parks meant for bathers are major concerns.

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