New taxes on online packages and fuel take effect
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New economic measures, including a package tax and a fuel price brake, officially came into effect today across the country. The package tax is already leading online retailers to charge customers per order, aiming to curb cheap imports and ensure fairer competition. The fuel price brake was implemented after a prior increase in gasoline and diesel prices.
In the political arena, the Social Democratic Party's (SPÖ) leadership contest continues to see new developments. Allies of Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig are reportedly questioning the position of SPÖ leader and Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler, who plans to meet with state governors. Challenger Gerhard Zeiler's program, which includes proposals on wealth taxes, has also been outlined.
Meanwhile, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen's description of Russia as a 'dwarf behaving like a giant' has drawn a sharp rebuke from the Russian Embassy. Separately, a new report highlights a significant increase in reported discrimination cases, while a tragic moped accident claimed the life of a 13-year-old girl in Styria.