Parliament session interrupted after man shouts insults from gallery
Austria’s National Council session was briefly interrupted yesterday after a man shouted insults from the public gallery, Der Standard reported.
The incident occurred during question time with Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ). The man yelled phrases such as “You Nazi, you”, “You warmongers, you bastards”, and “Heil Hitler”.
Security officers removed the man, and National Council President Walter Rosenkranz from the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ) suspended proceedings until calm was restored. The individual could face prosecution under Austria’s Prohibition Act for Nazi references.
Austria’s coalition divided over new tipping regulations
Austria’s three-party coalition remains split over proposed changes to tipping taxation, ORF reported.
NEOS is opposing plans supported by the SPÖ and People’s Party (ÖVP) to introduce flat-rate taxes on tips, arguing it would burden employees and businesses. Industry groups are calling for tips to be completely tax-free.
Currently, proposals include flat rates of €95 for service staff and €45 for catering staff. NEOS business spokesperson Markus Hofer stated that negotiations continue to seek an “unbureaucratic solution” that does not significantly raise rates.
Tyroleans eat too much meat and too few vegetables, survey finds
People in Tyrol consume too much meat and too little plant-based food, according to a new regional nutrition survey, ORF Tirol reported.
Women in Tyrol reach nearly 60 percent of the recommended fruit and vegetable intake, while men reach only 46 percent. However, Tyroleans consume sufficient nuts and seeds, improving their fatty acid and fibre intake.
The survey also found that 30 percent of Tyrolean women have a body fat percentage that is too low, while overweight and obesity rates remain lower than in other Austrian states. Experts recommended more targeted nutritional education.
McDonald’s Austria removes vegan McPlant burger due to low demand
McDonald’s has discontinued its vegan McPlant burger in Austria, Der Standard reported.
The meat-substitute burger, developed in collaboration with Beyond Meat and launched in 2021, was quietly removed from menus due to low sales.
Social media users expressed disappointment under the hashtag #BringBackMcPlant. While McDonald’s Austria currently offers a veggie patty option, it is not vegan. In contrast, Burger King continues to expand its vegan and vegetarian offerings in Austria.
Salzburg delays decision on Porsche villa tunnel project
Salzburg authorities have postponed a decision on Wolfgang Porsche’s planned private tunnel and underground garage for his villa on Kapuzinerberg, ORF Salzburg reported.
The city’s planning committee unanimously sent the official report back for reassessment after legal experts questioned whether the project’s individual permit is lawful.
The Citizens’ List, which commissioned the critical legal opinion, welcomed the move. A final decision is now expected after the summer break.
Man who stabbed lawyer in Vienna ruled not guilty due to mental illness
A Vienna court has ordered the indefinite psychiatric detention of a 54-year-old man who stabbed a law firm employee 16 times, ORF Vienna reported.
The attack occurred on February 3rd when the man, who suffers from severe paranoid schizophrenia, assaulted a 56-year-old woman after demanding €400 and receiving only half.
The woman survived despite life-threatening injuries. The man was found not criminally responsible due to his illness and will be held in a forensic therapy centre permanently. The decision is legally binding.
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