National Council debates budget as opposition issues scathing criticism
The Austrian government faced fierce criticism in the National Council on Wednesday as MPs debated the draft budget for 2025/26, ORF reported.
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl called the double budget a “total capitulation,” while the Greens labelled it socially unjust and environmentally harmful. Government parties SPÖ and NEOS defended the savings package, pointing to the need for deficit reduction.
Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer emphasised the urgency of the measures, warning the deficit would reach 5.8 percent of GDP without intervention. He admitted some measures—like suspending family benefit increases—were “painful,” but necessary to preserve the social system. The budget is now headed for committee review, with a final vote scheduled for June 18th.
Investigators accuse Benko and wife of concealing assets
Fresh details have emerged in the investigation into Signa founder René Benko, with both he and his wife, Natalie, now formally accused of hiding assets from creditors, Kurier reported.
Documents reveal that a safe installed in a relative’s home contained €120,000 in cash, 11 watches, and other valuables—many not disclosed in Benko’s bankruptcy filings.
The items were allegedly moved shortly after Benko filed for insolvency in March. Both deny wrongdoing, with Benko claiming the valuables were gifts to his sons and his wife's charity. Prosecutors question the plausibility of those explanations, noting the couple’s access to a high-security vault in their own home.
Airport rail link project delayed to 2035 amid cost-saving push
The controversial ÖBB airport rail link connecting Lower Austria and Burgenland to Vienna Airport has been delayed by two years, Kurier reported.
Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) and ÖBB head Andreas Matthä cited budgetary constraints and ongoing approval procedures as reasons for the delay.
Critics argue the project is environmentally damaging and question its overall benefit. Opponents are collecting signatures to gain party status in the environmental impact assessment. Despite the postponement, ÖBB maintains that the project is still moving forward.
Foot-and-mouth disease measures expected to end May 20
Protective measures introduced in April to contain foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) near the Slovak and Hungarian borders are expected to end on May 20th, Vienna.at reported.
If no new cases are reported, closed border crossings will reopen and restrictions will be lifted.
Burgenland officials welcomed the progress but urged caution, calling for continued hygiene and biosecurity practices in farms. The military support mission at the borders is set to conclude as planned.
Tragedy in Tyrol: schoolgirl dies after falling into gorge
An 11-year-old girl who fell into the Hachleschlucht gorge in Imst during a school trip last week has died in hospital, Der Standard reported.
The child was missing during a group hike before being found unconscious in the water. She was rescued and flown to Innsbruck’s hospital, but succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday.
Crisis teams have been supporting classmates and staff in the aftermath. The tragic accident has prompted renewed attention to safety during school excursions in alpine terrain.
Dog owner found guilty after brutal Rottweiler attack in Styria
A dog owner in Gratwein has been found guilty of negligent bodily harm after her Rottweiler attacked a dog sitter earlier this year, ORF Steiermark reported.
The victim, who was mauled by the dog in February, appeared in court in a wheelchair and described ongoing pain and multiple surgeries.
The Rottweiler had previously bitten a child and passers-by, and was ultimately shot by police during the incident. The owner was sentenced to six months’ probation, a €3,600 fine, and ordered to pay €7,300 in damages. The ruling is not yet final.
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