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Andreas Babler
Pope Francis Deceased: Expressions of Grief From Austria
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. As the Vatican confirmed, the Holy Father succumbed to the consequences of a stroke. The world is mourning the loss of a head of the Church who championed social justice, interreligious dialogue, and a church of closeness like no other. Many voices of grief and condolences have also been heard from Austria.
April 21, 2025
New Economics Minister Hattmannsdorfer Against the Deindustrialization of Austria and Europe
Dr. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) sent out a signal for the importance of industry in Austria with his first official company visit as Minister of Economic Affairs. The trip took him to his hometown of Linz to voestalpine, where he emphasized that the business location is facing decisive challenges. The new minister assured that “the stop button for industrial migration” would be pressed with the new government program.
March 5, 2025
A New Chapter for Austria: The Faces of the Federal Government 2025
The inauguration of the new federal government marks the beginning of a new era in Austrian politics. For the first time, a three-party coalition of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, led by Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), is in power. He is joined by Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS). The new government has 21 members in total. But who are the people who will steer the country's destiny in the coming years?
March 3, 2025
Austria's New Federal Government Sworn In: A Coalition of Compromises
After a historic five-month struggle to form a government, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) were sworn in together with their ministerial teams by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna's Hofburg Palace. The coalition, which seems unusual at first glance, promises a pragmatic approach, but key points of contention have been postponed for the time being.
March 3, 2025
ÖVP and SPÖ Achieve Breakthrough in Budget Negotiations
In the ongoing coalition talks between the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) without a mandate to form a government, a significant agreement has apparently been reached. According to several media reports, the two parties have been able to agree on a joint budget for the coming years. Official confirmation is still pending, but there are increasing signs that the negotiations are entering the home straight.
February 20, 2025
Standstill in Government Formation: Kickl and the FPÖ on the Way to Forming a Government
Following the failure of the coalition negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has given the task of forming a government to FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl. For the first time in the history of the Second Republic, the Freedom Party has been given the task of forming a federal government. This heralds a new phase in the political landscape in Austria, which is causing a stir both nationally and internationally.
January 7, 2025
Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Invites Donald Trump to Austria for Ukraine Peace Talks
In a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer congratulated him on his election victory and signaled Austria's willingness to act as a neutral venue for peace talks in the Ukraine conflict. The talks also covered energy security, economic and defense cooperation, and strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and the USA.
November 27, 2024
Official Commemoration of November Pogroms Overshadowed by Protests Against Walter Rosenkranz
Vienna remembers the November pogroms of 1938: a moving light installation and memorial events at the Shoah Wall of Names commemorate the more than 65,000 Jewish victims in Austria. However, the official commemoration was overshadowed by controversy when National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) met with resistance.
November 10, 2024
Austria in Pursuit of Compromises for the Next Government
After the 2024 National Council elections, exploratory talks between the ÖVP and SPÖ will now begin to pave the way for a new government in Austria. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer with forming a government, even though the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl received the most votes. This decision led to criticism from the FPÖ, which continues to see itself as an important player in the political process.
October 24, 2024
Stalemate after National Council Elections: Van der Bellen Calls for Revived Talks
Following the national elections in Austria, the country finds itself in a political impasse. President Alexander Van der Bellen declared in a speech that he would not give any party the task of forming a government at present due to the stalemate that has arisen. The FPÖ, which emerged from the election as the strongest force with 28.8%, is currently unable to find a coalition partner, as both the ÖVP and the other parties (SPÖ, NEOS, and Greens) refuse to cooperate with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl.
October 15, 2024
Triumph of the FPÖ: Herbert Kickl in the Contest for the Chancellorship
The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) celebrated a historic victory in the 2024 national elections with 29% of the vote, led by Herbert Kickl. The FPÖ leader, who speaks of an “Orbanization” of Austria, is demanding the chancellorship, but his chances of forming a government remain uncertain. Despite his success, Kickl has met with resistance from potential coalition partners, particularly the ÖVP.
October 2, 2024
Austria at the Decision: National Council Election 2024 and the Political Parties at a Glance
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Austria will decide on the political direction of the coming years in the National Council elections. In addition to the five established parties ÖVP, SPÖ, FPÖ, Grüne and NEOS, smaller groups such as the KPÖ Plus, the Bierpartei, the Madeleine Petrovic list and the “KEINE” list are also running. The election campaign is characterized by discussions about social justice, migration, security and Austria's role in the European Union.
September 26, 2024
Taylor Swift Concerts in Vienna Canceled Due to Suspected Terrorism - What Fans Need to Know Now
The cancellation of the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna has left many fans disappointed and perplexed. After two suspected terrorists were arrested who had possibly planned an attack on the upcoming concerts, the organizer Barracuda Music decided to cancel the events. Fans are now wondering what costs will be reimbursed and how to proceed.
August 8, 2024
Slovakia Prime Minister in Danger: Assassination Attempt on Slovakia's Robert Fico Shakes Europe
A serious attack on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has shaken Europe. A 71-year-old man shot Fico after a meeting and is in critical condition.
May 15, 2024
Escalation after Navalny's Death: Diplomatic Aftermath Between Austria and Russia
The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has not only caused international outrage but has also led to a diplomatic dispute between Austria and Russia. An investigation into Navalny's death amidst unjust imprisonment has been also requested by the OSCE in Vienna.
February 20, 2024
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