FPÖ and ÖVP agree on first measures in Styria

The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the centre-right People’s Party (ÖVP) in Styria have reached agreements on key asylum and integration measures as part of ongoing coalition negotiations. 

The parties announced on Tuesday that cash benefits for asylum seekers would be replaced with a payment card for in-kind support, a move described by FPÖ leader Mario Kunasek as addressing a “core demand” to reduce Styria’s appeal as an asylum destination.

Integration measures are also set to become stricter, with new policies requiring migrants to align with Austrian values and rules. Noncompliance will result in penalties under a model touted as a pioneering step in restrictive migration plans. FPÖ plans to lobby for reducing the age of criminal responsibility to 12, as emphasised by Styrian governor Christopher Drexler, who said the measure would address juvenile delinquency. These developments come as the coalition continues negotiations on health and care topics, ORF reported.

The parties aim to finalise the government programme in the coming days.

Chancellor Nehammer urges EU action on Syrian returns

Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) has urged the European Union to act swiftly to facilitate Syrian citizens’ return to their homeland. 

In a conversation with EU Council President António Costa, Nehammer highlighted Bashar al-Assad’s ousting as an opportunity to rebuild Syria and promote repatriation efforts. According to the Federal Chancellery, Austria, which was the first EU nation to halt asylum procedures for Syrians, is pushing for coordinated EU action.

Austria’s measures include reassessing Syria’s security status and reviewing existing asylum decisions. “Syria needs its citizens to rebuild and establish a civilisation,” Nehammer stated. He also called for decisive EU support to ensure repatriation and reconstruction become priorities. Countries like Germany and Italy have since mirrored Austria’s approach, as noted by Kurier.

The Ministry of the Interior is currently tasked with developing a comprehensive return strategy. Nehammer emphasised that time is critical for leveraging this unique historical opportunity.

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OECD: Sharp rise in adult reading problems in Austria

A new OECD report highlights a worrying increase in reading difficulties among adults in Austria, with 29 percent struggling with basic literacy compared to 16 percent in 2012. 

The data, published as part of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), places Austria below the OECD average in reading but above average in mathematics.

The decline in literacy skills has sparked calls for reform in Austria’s education system. According to OECD Education Director Andreas Schleicher, “functionally illiterate” adults—those performing at the lowest competence level—now account for a significant portion of the population. Migrants contributed minimally to the trend, as second-generation migrants showed almost equal results to those without a migration background. Despite more people pursuing higher education, overall literacy levels have worsened, Schleicher explained during a press conference covered by ORF.

Mathematics scores have remained stable, with Austria surpassing the OECD average. However, Schleicher emphasised that even strong areas require attention to meet evolving societal and job market demands.

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Tyrolean convicted for Nazi gesture

A 26-year-old man from Tyrol received a one-year conditional sentence and a €10,800 fine after being found guilty of National Socialist reactivation at a jury trial in Innsbruck. 

The man performed a Hitler salute during a festival in St. Johann and made xenophobic remarks. Although he denied the gesture, and claimed he was intoxicated, a police officer testified that the act was unmistakable.

The trial revealed discrepancies among witness accounts, including varying recollections of the event’s slogans and gestures. Despite these differences, the jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict. The ruling highlighted Austria’s firm stance against Nazi propaganda and its dissemination, as detailed by ORF.

The judge explained that the conditional sentence depended on the defendant’s cooperation with probation services. The verdict is not yet legally binding.

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Body found in Vienna cellar after 25 years

Construction workers in Vienna’s Margareten district made a gruesome discovery while renovating a cellar, finding a body wrapped in plastic that had been buried for about 25 years. Forensic analysis identified the victim as a man in his 30s, but his identity remains unknown despite international police cooperation.

Police released photos of the victim’s clothing, including a distinctive burgundy tracksuit, to gather more information. The body was found during excavation work to prepare a new concrete floor, as reported by AFP. Investigators believe the case is a homicide and are appealing for public assistance to solve the mystery.

Authorities have called the case unprecedented in Vienna and are hopeful for breakthroughs through public tips and further forensic analysis.

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