Budget chaos in Klagenfurt, Austria’s first Syria deportation blocked, and an FPÖ official flirts with banning Pride—plus more stories from Austria on Tuesday.
Klagenfurt warned it could face insolvency in 2026
The city of Klagenfurt could become insolvent by early 2026 if it proceeds with a planned €44 million indoor swimming pool, according to a new report from the Consolidation Advisory Board, as reported by ORF Kärnten.
The board recommends scrapping the project entirely and reallocating the loan to stabilise finances, warning that otherwise the city will run out of liquidity by 2027.
Despite the findings, the SPÖ, Team Scheider and FPÖ voiced support for continuing with the pool construction. The advisory board instead suggests major cost-cutting measures, including reducing the city workforce by 300 by 2032, selling off municipal properties, and potentially cancelling holiday pay increases. A budget decision is expected by mid-July.
Austria’s first deportation to Syria fails due to airspace closure
A planned deportation of a Syrian man convicted of a criminal offence has been postponed due to the ongoing closure of Syrian airspace, according to Kurier.
The man remains in detention while awaiting further arrangements.
Had it gone ahead, this would have marked the first such deportation since the outbreak of Syria’s civil war. Austria has recently sought to restart deportations for criminal offenders following Interior Minister Gerhard Karner’s visit to Damascus in April. However, human rights advocates continue to raise concerns over the safety and legal clarity of returning individuals to Syria.
FPÖ official suggests legal ban on Pride parade
FPÖ Upper Austria party secretary Michael Gruber has suggested a legal ban on the annual Pride parade, as reported by Der Standard.
In a recent interview with far-right broadcaster RTV, Gruber described the event as a “state of emergency” and said such displays should be kept “within one’s own four walls.”
Gruber has a history of anti-LGBTIQ statements, including publicly disposing of a rainbow flag in 2024. His remarks prompted strong condemnation from the Green Party, which labelled the comments “dangerous incitement” and “unworthy of an elected official.” While some in the FPÖ share Gruber’s views, a legal ban would mark the party’s most radical move against Pride to date.
Advertisement
Storm strands 19 people and a dog in Dornbirn cable car
After a thunderstorm swept across Vorarlberg on Monday, the Karren cable car in Dornbirn was forced to stop, leaving 19 p***engers and a dog stranded in a gondola, Der Standard reported.
Emergency crews, including a police helicopter team, were deployed to coordinate a rescue.
The cable was reportedly pushed out of its guide by the storm. While no injuries were reported, the incident is the latest weather-related disruption as much of Austria faces severe heat and storm warnings this week.
Man critically injured in Burgenland apartment fire
A 69-year-old man was seriously injured in a fire in a multi-unit building in Winden am See (Neusiedl am See district) during the early hours of Monday, according to ORF Burgenland.
Emergency responders discovered the man unconscious on the floor with signs of smoke inhalation. He was flown to intensive care in Graz, where his condition remains critical.
Investigators say the blaze started on the terrace and was likely caused by a cigarette. The fire was contained quickly, and no other residents or animals were harmed. Damage ***essments are ongoing.
Advertisement
If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles, or news tips for The Local, you can contact us at news@thelocal.at or leave a comment below.
Source link
https://findsuperdeals.shop/
