Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
The city of Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol.
SPÖ dips below 40 percent in Vienna election polls, parking becomes more expensive in Innsbruck, and a man suffers life-threatening injuries after climbing a freight train – plus more stories from Austria on Wednesday.
Vienna election polls show SPÖ dipping below 40 percent
With just five days to go before Vienna’s municipal and district elections, the SPÖ is polling at 38.6 percent – down from 41.6 percent in the last election. According to a Die Presse report, the FPÖ (Freedom Party) has maintained second place with an average of 21.8 percent. Meanwhile, a tight race is unfolding for third place between the Greens (12.3 percent), the ÖVP (11.1 percent) and the NEOS (9.2 percent).
While the SPÖ remains ahead, the polls suggest a red-pink (SPÖ-NEOS) majority may be more fragile than expected. The KPÖ is polling below the five percent threshold, but could play a spoiler role if it gains momentum in the final days of the campaign.
Vienna election logistics ramp up for April 27th
Preparations for Sunday’s election are in full swing across Vienna, with 1,504 polling stations being set up for over 1.37 million eligible voters. According to the City of Vienna, around 13,000 people will be involved in election logistics, from polling staff to assessors. All stations will have at least one barrier-free voting booth.
Transport operations began this week, with voting booths, ballot boxes, and other materials being distributed throughout the city. Polling locations are available via wien.gv.at/wahlen and by calling the city’s hotline.
Shortage of gynaecologists in Styria worsens
Almost one in five public gynaecologist positions in Styria is currently unfilled, with nine out of 54 posts vacant, according to the regional ORF. The shortage is especially acute in Hartberg and Upper Styria. Many doctors are turning away new patients, and long waiting times are becoming the norm.
Representatives warn that preventive screenings, particularly for cancer, are at risk of being delayed or skipped. The Greens have submitted a proposal to the state parliament calling for more gynaecologists to be integrated into primary care centres.
Parking fees increase in Innsbruck
Parking in Innsbruck has become more expensive following a fee hike approved by the city council in March. As Tirol ORF reported, the new rate is €1.10 per half hour, up from €1.00. The daily maximum fee has also risen from €8 to €9.
The city says the increase is meant to encourage people to switch to public transport and reduce pressure on public space. Rates apply in short-term parking zones and metered areas, though long-term permits for residents and businesses remain unchanged.
Man severely injured by overhead line at Stadlau station
A 34-year-old Slovak man suffered life-threatening injuries early Sunday after climbing onto a stationary freight train and coming into contact with the high-voltage overhead line at Stadlau station in Vienna. He was intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level of 1.6 per mille, according to Vienna.at.
Despite the severity of the shock, the man managed to crawl to a nearby location and call for help. He was rescued hours later and taken to the hospital. Train traffic was temporarily suspended during the emergency response.
€112,000 damage after break-ins at Lower Austria railway museums
A 30-year-old Hungarian man has confessed to burglarising two railway museums in Schwechat and Strasshof an der Nordbahn, causing over €112,000 in damages. According to Kurier, police apprehended the man during a routine traffic stop when burglary tools were found in his car.
Investigations linked him to multiple incidents dating back to February, including the theft of brass parts and tools from the museums. He is now in pre-trial detention in Korneuburg.
Two road deaths recorded over Easter weekend
Two people died in road accidents during the Easter weekend, marking one of the lowest fatality tolls in recent years. As the Interior Ministry reported, a 67-year-old man died in a tractor accident in Lower Austria on Good Friday, while a 31-year-old motorcyclist died after a crash in Styria on Easter Sunday.
In comparison, five people were killed over Easter in 2024 and four in 2022. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner praised police for their role in reducing traffic danger as part of the “Safe Operation” campaign.
If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles, or news tips for The Local, you can contact us at news@danchima.com/ or leave a comment below.
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