Fire brigades on alert as Austria faces heavy rain, snowfall, and winds

Austria is bracing for extreme weather conditions in the coming days, with heavy rain, snow, and strong winds expected. Meteorologist Martin Templin from Ubimet has warned of an “extreme risk of severe weather”, including heavy rain at low altitudes, significant snowfall in the mountains, and a storm on the southern side of the Alps.

Rainfall began in the south from Wednesday evening, with areas near Italy receiving up to 100 litres per square metre by Friday morning. Colder air will then move in, shifting precipitation to the northern Alps and eastern Austria, where up to 250 litres of rain per square metre could fall by Monday, raising flood concerns. The snow line could drop below 1000 metres on Sunday, bringing snowfall in lower areas.

Geosphere Austria has issued warnings for rain, snow, and wind until next week, with heavy snowfalls of up to 150 centimetres expected in high mountain areas. Flooding and landslides are also anticipated, particularly in northern Burgenland, Vienna, and other regions.

The Lower Austrian fire brigade is preparing for possible floods, with water levels potentially rising into flood zones. Wind speeds of up to 90 km/h are forecast for Lower Austria from Friday afternoon, and residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid areas near water.

Why 1.5 million people can’t vote in Austria’s crucial federal election

Almost one in five people in Austria won’t have a say in the upcoming election, mainly due to the country’s restrictive citizenship laws.

Fake election posters stir controversy in Graz ahead of national elections

Around two weeks before Austria’s National Council elections, tensions in the campaign escalated as over 100 fake election posters were found in Graz on Wednesday. The posters, which mocked several political figures and appeared highly realistic, led to a state security investigation.

The posters were crafted to look professional, with sarcastic party logos and slogans. One centre-right ÖVP fake poster, for instance, showed Karl Nehammer, accompanied by the phrase, “We still do fascism ourselves.” Other fake slogans included the far-right’s FPÖ’s “One people, one chancellor” and liberal NEOS’s “Work makes you rich … in experience.”

Van der Bellen surprised by Germany’s border control changes

In a press statement, Austria’s Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen expressed surprise at Germany’s recent changes to its border control regime. 

Van der Bellen described Germany’s approach as “somewhat improvised” and said it was unclear what these new measures meant. He pointed out that “selected” border controls between Bavaria and Austria have existed since 2015. He questioned if any changes would occur, expressing confidence that Germany would uphold its European law obligations.

In contrast, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer welcomed Germany’s shift in migration, praising it as a step toward aligning with Austria’s approach. He expressed optimism about Germany’s role in deportations to countries like Syria and Afghanistan and its contribution to strengthening external border protection.

SPÖ unveils election programme with wealth tax and rent control

The SPÖ has officially released its election programme, presented by party leader Andreas Babler. Babler highlighted it as an “important programme for the future,” developed with input from an expert council. Key proposals include the introduction of a wealth tax on assets over €1 million, an inheritance tax, a 25 percent corporation tax rate, and rent controls until 2026. The programme also advocates for free dental care for people under 23, a trial of a four-day workweek, and increased social spending. It includes a €20 billion climate transformation fund and support for military service and neutrality.

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