Austria pays tribute to Pope Francis, early vote counting planned in Vienna, and asylum applications hit a new low – plus more stories from Austria on Tuesday.

Austria mourns Pope Francis

Political and religious leaders across Austria expressed deep sorrow following the death of Pope Francis. ORF reported that Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen described him as an “inspiration for millions” and praised his tireless advocacy for peace, refugees, and environmental protection. 

“He didn’t just quote the Bible—he lived it,” Van der Bellen said.

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) hailed Francis as a “connector between nations, religions and cultures,” while opposition leaders also paid tribute. SPÖ’s Andreas Babler called him a “bridge builder,” and FPÖ’s Herbert Kickl emphasised his moral clarity on poverty and exclusion. 

Church representatives also spoke of his legacy as a voice for peace and justice, with Austrian bishops calling him “a great Pope” who wept publicly for the suffering of the innocent.

Vienna election: postal ballots to be counted earlier

Postal votes for Vienna’s upcoming municipal elections will be counted earlier this year, with most ballots processed on April 27th, the election day. Der Standard reported that the new procedure follows federal reforms aimed at improving the accuracy and timeliness of results.

Only votes received after Friday evening and those from EU citizens voting in district elections will be tallied on Monday. 

The official final result will be certified after the municipal election commission meets on May 8th. Voters may apply for absentee ballots online until April 23rd or in person until April 25th.

Asylum applications fell by one-third in the first quarter of 2025

Austria received 4,644 asylum applications in the first quarter of 2025, a 33 percent drop compared to the same period last year, ORF reported. 

March saw the fewest new requests since July 2020. Notably, most applications were from non-first-time applicants, including children born in Austria and status upgrades.

More than half of the applicants were minors. Syria and Afghanistan remain the main countries of origin. Although 2,120 individuals were granted asylum in the first three months, basic services are still stretched, particularly due to displaced Ukrainians who now make up 55 percent of recipients.

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Competency tests begin in Austrian primary schools this week

Standardised assessments will take place in Austrian primary schools from April 23rd to May 23rd. Vienna.at reported that the iKM PLUS tests in reading and mathematics aim to measure student progress and help teachers develop individual support plans.

The basic module lasts 45 minutes and is mandatory for all 3rd and 4th-graders. Additional modules are available to evaluate strengths or weaknesses more closely. 

Results don’t impact grades but are used to support long-term learning strategies and future education policy planning.

42% of Austrians say they are worse off financially than five years ago

A new IMAS study shows that 42 percent of Austrians feel financially worse off compared to five years ago, with women (45 percent) and seniors (48 percent) reporting the greatest hardship. ORF noted that eating out, vacations, and clothing were the most common areas where people are cutting back.

More than 60 percent say food staples like butter, bread, and eggs have become more expensive. Most respondents are coping by using promotions and grocery store loyalty apps, although fewer people are now cutting back on quantity compared to 2023. 

The use of second-hand goods is also declining.

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Eight injured in beer glass attack at Ischgl nightclub

A 24-year-old man was arrested after attacking another man with a beer glass during a nightclub altercation in Ischgl, injuring eight people. Kurier reported that the suspect struck a 28-year-old German on the head, causing the glass to shatter. 

The primary victim suffered serious injuries, while seven others sustained cuts from flying shards.

Three people were hospitalised. The attacker is expected to face multiple charges.

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