Austria

Investigations have been launched against Heinz Lederer, the Chairman of the ORF Foundation Board, on suspicion of coercion. This development follows a reported phone call involving the former ORF General Director. Concurrently, the General Procurator, Margit Wachberger, has voiced strong criticism against a government proposal for a federal public prosecutor's office, suggesting it may be unnecessary if proposed reforms proceed.

Austria continues to grapple with extreme weather, recording a new high of 41.2 degrees Celsius for the second straight day. However, a brief respite is anticipated as the heatwave is expected to conclude with the arrival of thunderstorms. The prolonged heat and drought are raising concerns about an impending energy crisis due to the impact on hydropower and photovoltaics, and are causing dramatic situations for cattle farmers and significant losses in grain harvests. In a proactive measure, Vienna is undertaking a major construction project to secure its long-term water supply.

In other domestic news, coalition partners have criticized Federal Minister Korinna Schumann's draft proposal on wage transparency. Governor of Burgenland Hans Peter Doskozil has openly criticized the federal government coalition, suggesting it is weakening and advocating for fewer government offices. Austria also faces the second-largest gender pension gap in Europe, and federal states are being asked to dispatch police to Vienna for special operations targeting youth crime.