Government negotiations on the brink

Talks between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS to form a new coalition are in jeopardy, with negotiators facing a critical decision on Friday, Der Standard reported. Tax policy remains the sticking point, as the SPÖ demands wealth-related taxes to address budget challenges, while the ÖVP focuses on tax relief.

The NEOS has also expressed frustration, claiming that negotiations lack a focus on major reforms. High-ranking ÖVP officials view Friday as the coalition’s “make-or-break” moment. Chancellor Karl Nehammer faces internal pressure, with industry leaders pushing for a coalition with the FPÖ.

Party leaders are optimistic that an agreement can still be reached despite tensions. NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger remains pivotal to keeping the coalition on track, with insiders suggesting that her leadership could determine the outcome.

Austria submits long-delayed climate plan

Austria’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) was officially adopted and submitted to the EU on Tuesday, potentially closing infringement proceedings against the country. ORF reported that the plan outlines Austria’s strategy to meet its 2030 climate target, including reducing emissions by 48 percent compared to 2005 levels.

Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) called the NECP a milestone for a “secure future,” though delays caused by political disputes within the ÖVP-Greens coalition had drawn criticism. The plan includes measures to phase out climate-damaging subsidies, expand hydrogen production, and replace outdated heating systems.

The EU Commission had previously flagged gaps in Austria’s climate strategy, particularly regarding energy diversification and emissions reduction. Officials expect that submission of the NECP will prevent further legal action by the EU.

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Austrian incomes stagnate despite economic growth

Real incomes in Austria have stagnated over the past two decades, with high inflation eroding wage gains, Statistik Austria reported on Thursday. Adjusted for inflation, average annual gross incomes in 2023 were two percent lower than in 1998, though stable full-time employees saw a seven percent increase during this period.

The report highlighted disparities in wage growth across sectors, with women in stable employment seeing a 15 percent rise in real wages, while part-time workers and those in unstable jobs experienced declines. Migrants and less-qualified workers were particularly affected, facing frequent employment disruptions that limited wage growth.

Economic researchers predict a slight increase in real incomes by year-end, with projections of a 0.2 percent rise compared to 20 years ago. In 2023, the average annual gross income for all employees in Austria was €35,314, while full-time workers earned €61,100.

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2024 confirmed as Austria’s warmest year on record

Austria experienced its warmest year in recorded history in 2024, with average temperatures 1.8C above the 1991–2020 climate period, Der Standard reported. Extreme weather events and extended growing seasons characterised the year, with summer and spring setting multiple temperature records.

Heatwaves were particularly intense, with Wien-Innere Stadt logging 52 days of temperatures above 30C. September saw heavy rainfall and severe flooding, while summer months were notably dry. Overall, 2024 ranked among the 25 warmest years since weather records began, with nearly all occurring in the past three decades.

Geosphere Austria climatologist Alexander Orlik noted that the climate crisis is reshaping Austria’s environment, with longer growing seasons and earlier blooms becoming the norm. The country recorded an eight percent increase in precipitation compared to the average, though rainfall patterns were highly uneven.

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Nazi scandal erupts over photo at Wels city party

A photo from a magistrate’s party in Wels showing an employee with a Hitler-style moustache has sparked outrage, ORF reported. Antifa and Green politicians condemned the incident as part of a broader issue of normalised right-wing extremism in the region.

The employee claimed he was intoxicated and did not recall the event. Wels Mayor Andreas Rabl (FPÖ) stated that internal proceedings had been initiated, and the individual was sent to alcohol counselling. Critics, however, demanded stricter action, accusing city leadership of fostering a permissive climate for far-right behaviour.

A second photo from a Christmas party has since emerged, allegedly showing the same employee making a white power gesture. Green MP Ralph Schallmeiner called for greater transparency and training to combat extremism in public institutions.

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Red warnings issued as snowstorm hits Austria

Heavy snowfall and strong winds prompted red weather warnings in western Austria on Thursday, with a cold front expected to bring hazardous conditions through the weekend, Heute.at reported.

Vorarlberg and Tyrol are bracing for significant snowfall, with the snowline expected to drop to 400–700 metres. Winds are forecast to reach gale force in exposed areas, particularly on the northern slopes of the Alps.

Meteorologists predict a brief reprieve on Saturday before further rain and snow hit the country on Sunday. Authorities have urged caution for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts as icy roads and heavy snowfall could create dangerous conditions.

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