Watching the pictures from Greece is breaking one's heart. There, on the southeastern border of Europe, people are stranding on the coasts. Other people are throwing them back into the sea. The first feel compelled to leave their homeland. The others feel compelled to defend theirs. On the other hand, Austria, in the center of … Continue reading The refugees at the borders
Tag: europe
Final destination Europe
In Syria a catastrophic war has been raging for almost a decade. Hundreds of thousands of people were murdered, millions are on the run. Most of them are fleeing to the West and inevitably end up at the borders of Europe. A short glance at the world map shows us: Europe is the final destination. … Continue reading Final destination Europe
Corona in Austria – Day 7
Today's headline in the "New York Times" says: "Second death from coronavirus is reported in the U.S." And the Washington Post writes: "Virus may have spread undetected for weeks in Washington state." The magazine "Politico" reports background information: "President Trump on Friday night tried to cast the outbreak of the coronavirus as an conspiracy intended … Continue reading Corona in Austria – Day 7
Corona in Austria – Day 6
Fourteen. There are already fourteen Corona-infected patients in Austria this Sunday, four new cases have been reported in Vienna today. The people are buying in bulk. Cans, pasta and hygiene products are largely sold out in Austria. In addition, the war in Syria is escalating, especially between Turkey and Russia, both supporting opposite groups. Turkish … Continue reading Corona in Austria – Day 6
“The West is winning…”
"The West is winning, we are collectively winning," said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the Munich Security Conference. This conference, the annual summit of global security policy, is headlined by the slogan "Westlessness". Now one can think whatever (s)he wants about the politics of the United States under Donald Trump and of the … Continue reading “The West is winning…”
Germany stumbles over itself
What has just happened in the small German state of Thuringia? The largest country in Europe, Germany, has reached the limits of democracy. Why? In Thuringia, a former East German province, the "Left Party" and the "Alternative for Germany" have had an absolute majority in the state parliament since the last regional elections. The uniqueness … Continue reading Germany stumbles over itself
The end of democracy
Two images have shaped global politics this week: In Washington D.C. Nancy Pelosi, spokeswoman of the House of Representatives, tears up the manuscript of President Donald Trump's speech on the State of the Union - and in Erfurt, Susanne Henning-Wellsow, state chairwoman of the Left, throws her bouquet in front of the feet of the … Continue reading The end of democracy
Social Democrats then and now
In 1973, the Austrian federal government under Chancellor Bruno Kreisky introduced value added tax in Austria. The socialist finance minister Hannes Androsch opts for a tax rate of 16% (reduced 8%). The tax is levied on all products. The population is fully informed. Today the tax rate is 20% (reduced 10%) on all goods and … Continue reading Social Democrats then and now
the question of the future
erste group bank mr. andreas treichl, ceo am belvedere 1 at-1100 vienna vienna, 02.12.2019 dear mr. treichl! thank you for your clever interview in "der standard". i do not consider you to be "too stupid and too cowardly" for an argument, as you once said about our politicians. therefore i would like to contradict you … Continue reading the question of the future
The secret of money
The secret of money: Let's say the world consists of only four people: Adele 👵, Berta 👩🏻🎓, Chris 👨✈️ and Desmond 👤. Since it is a fair world, every single one has equally earned a fortune of € 10,- up to now. Additionally, Adele inherited a brandnew car from her parents, Berta studied business and … Continue reading The secret of money
Vienna Calling 