Far-right forms regional government in Austria
A former defence minister on Wednesday became the first far-right governor of Styria province in Austria, where the far right has made record gains.
The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) topped national elections in September for the first time ever but has been unable to find partners to form a national government.
But in Styria province, where the FPÖ won regional elections last month, they managed to form a government with the conservatives as junior partners.
It is the first time the FPÖ heads a state since the late Joerg Haider took the prestigious role in 1989 in neighbouring Carinthia province.
Styria’s parliament approved the new government headed by Mario Kunasek, a 48-year-old army veteran and defence minister from 2017 until 2019, on Wednesday.
Under its programme, the new government plans to ban headscarves and other religious attire from the province’s administration, according to a spokesman.
It also plans to set up a fund to compensate those who were “unjustly” fined for breaking confinement rules during the Covid-19 pandemic or who suffered negative consequences due to vaccinations, he added.
The FPÖ last month secured 35 percent of the vote in the southeastern state, up by 17 percentage points on the 2019 results.
The vote marked the first time the far right comes out victorious in the region, which was ruled by left- and right-wing parties to date.
Kunasek’s campaign focused on anti-immigration rhetoric and defending car owners.
The FPÖ currently co-governs three more of Austria’s nine provinces.
It has also been part of the national government several times, but has never headed it.
Following its historic victory in September, it has failed to find partners, leaving outgoing conservative chancellor Karl Nehammer in talks with the Social Democrats and a liberal party to form a government in the Alpine EU member of nine million.
Like other far-right parties elsewhere in Europe, the FPÖ has seen its popularity surge, fed by voter anger over migration, inflation and Covid restrictions.
Income stability improves, but families with young children face risks
Income conditions in Austria have slightly improved, with 43 percent of respondents in a survey reporting better financial circumstances over the past year, ORF reported. However, challenges persist, as 30 percent of Austrians feel less able to cope with household costs, citing rising food, housing, and energy prices.
The survey highlighted the financial strain on families with young children. Sixty-two percent of multi-child households and 70 percent of single-parent households with children under ten reported difficulty making ends meet. More than half of single-parent families cannot afford an annual week-long holiday, while housing costs remain a significant burden.
Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch emphasised the positive impact of increased pensions and social benefits but acknowledged the need for further measures, including establishing a basic child insurance scheme. Meanwhile, Austria’s inflation rate was 1.9 percent in November, below the eurozone average of 2.2 percent.
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Austrians show rising satisfaction with democracy, despite income gap
Approval of democracy in Austria has risen, with 43 percent of respondents expressing satisfaction, according to DerStandard. Trust in democratic institutions like elections, the judiciary, and the police remains high, but the gap in satisfaction between income groups is widening.
While 50 percent of higher-income respondents are satisfied with the political system, only 21 percent of those in the lowest income bracket share this view. Trust in this group has steadily declined since 2020. Researchers attribute dissatisfaction among lower-income individuals to financial challenges and limited political engagement.
Despite this, nine out of ten Austrians believe democracy is the best form of government. The report also found that younger people are particularly eager to learn about parliamentary processes and participate more actively in decision-making.
FPÖ criticised for calling for kindergarten “aunts”
FPÖ leader Erwin Angerer sparked outrage during a Carinthian parliament debate by suggesting a return to “kindergarten aunts” instead of trained educators. ORF reported that Angerer’s remarks drew sharp criticism from professional organisations and political parties.
Education advocates labelled the statement outdated and disrespectful, arguing it undermined the professionalism of early childhood educators. The Austrian Trade Union Federation demanded a public apology, calling the comment a step backwards for the field.
Angerer defended his comments about staffing shortages in kindergartens but was criticised by the Greens, SPÖ, and ÖVP, who emphasised teachers’ critical role in preparing children for formal education.
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Vienna police break up cab-based drug ring
Vienna police dismantled a drug network that used taxis to deliver cocaine across the city, Kurier reported. Six men were arrested, including two Austrian taxi drivers who facilitated deals during rides.
Operating since 2019, the ring advertised its services under the name “Coco-Taxi” via graffiti. Customers contacted dealers by phone, arranged a pick-up, and completed transactions while riding in the taxi. During the investigation, police identified nearly 100 customers and seized 1.4 kilograms of cocaine and two taxis.
The final suspect was arrested in early December, bringing an end to a network that had reportedly distributed 3.6 kilograms of cocaine since its inception.
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Lower Austrian woman loses €150,000 to Brad Pitt impostor
A woman in Lower Austria transferred €150,000 to scammers posing as actor Brad Pitt, ORF reported. The fraudsters claimed Pitt needed financial help due to his divorce from Angelina Jolie.
The scam began three years ago. The perpetrators communicated via social media and persuaded the woman to send funds through cryptocurrencies. She depleted her savings and took out loans to meet their demands.
Authorities warned against online fraud, noting that 70 percent of fraud cases in Austria involve internet scams. Police advised the public to exercise caution, particularly when contacted by strangers requesting money.
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