Führungswechsel in der Kanzlerumfrage: Kickl überholt Nehammer
In einer jüngsten Umfrage der INSA hat FPÖ-Chef Herbert Kickl erstmals in der Kanzlerpräferenz die Nase vorn gegenüber Karl Nehammer. 27 Prozent der Befragten würden Kickl als Kanzler bevorzugen, während Nehammer 23 Prozent der Stimmen erhält. Noch im November lag Nehammer mit 28 Prozent klar vor Kickl, der damals 24 Prozent erreichte. SPÖ-Anführer Andreas Babler kann sich mit 14 Prozent etwas verbessern.
Die Umfrageergebnisse spiegeln den kontinuierlichen Aufschwung der FPÖ wider, die in der sogenannten Sonntagsfrage führend bleibt. Gleichzeitig verlieren Nehammer und die ÖVP an Rückhalt, wodurch Fragen zur Führungsqualität des Kanzlers lauter werden.
In Niederösterreich sorgt ein neuer Streit über die ORF-Zwangsgebühr für Unruhe. Markus Abel, Besitzer einer Schlosserei in St. Valentin, weigert sich, die Gebühr für seine Firma zu bezahlen. Er argumentiert, dass in seinem Betrieb aus Sicherheitsgründen keine Radios oder ähnliche Geräte erlaubt sind.
Der Geschäftsinhaber, der privat bereits die Gebühr entrichtet, sieht die zusätzliche Belastung als ungerechtfertigt. “Falls das Gericht gegen mich entscheidet, werde ich meine Firma schließen. Dann haben unsere Politiker weitere Arbeitslose zu verantworten”, droht Abel.
Die Kontroverse steht im Kontext des neuen ORF-Beitragsgesetzes, welches seit Beginn des Jahres Betriebsstätten zur Zahlung verpflichtet. Recent opponents of the law have achieved a significant court victory, which could offer Abel some hope.
The Flight of Industry to the USA: Austria Risks Losing Major Enterprises
Austria’s export economy is faltering: Former record numbers have given way to bad news. Rising energy costs, high wages, and bureaucracy are weakening competitiveness. Companies like KTM are facing bankruptcy, while more industrial businesses are relocating their production abroad – mainly to the USA.
The United States attracts with its economic dynamism, investment incentives, and support programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The election of Donald Trump, who plans tariffs on imports, reinforces this trend. Austrian companies have so far invested 17 billion euros in the USA and created 60,000 jobs – weakening the domestic job market.
The Austrian Control Bank and experts urgently call on the government to cut red tape, invest in infrastructure, and reduce energy costs to prevent the loss of more industries and jobs.
Increase in Drug Use in Vienna: ÖVP Calls for Ban on Psychoactive Substances
Drug use in Vienna has been on the rise for years, particularly products containing natural, legal psychoactive substances such as LSA, which have sparked debate.
Recently, vending machines selling such substances faced criticism. After inspection, these products were replaced with chocolate bars, but the ÖVP demands stricter legal regulations.
These substances shouldn’t be freely available, states ÖVP politician Martina Hammerer, pointing to a 14.8 percent increase in youth crime over the past two years.
The party is pushing for a ban to protect the youth, while the Ministry of Health focuses on prevention.
Property Tax Hike: Nehammer Signals Policy Shift – Association of Municipalities Responds Positively
A policy shift within the ÖVP: Chancellor Karl Nehammer for the first time supports a possible increase in property tax. This aims to counteract state debt and facilitate negotiations with the SPÖ. While the move has drawn criticism, the Association of Municipalities sees it as an opportunity to close financial gaps.
The property tax, which directly benefits municipalities, has not been updated for decades, according to the Association of Municipalities. This has caused municipalities to lose around 380 million euros annually, funds urgently needed for infrastructure projects.
While many citizens fear higher burdens, the Association of Municipalities does not believe that a tax increase will deter people from purchasing property. They also view the property tax as a minor burden for businesses. By the end of the year, the Association along with the City Association plans to present a reform paper.
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