Comedian's child abuse trial begins; family pleads guilty.
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Günther Paal, the comedian known as Gunkl, is expected to plead guilty today to charges of child abuse. The child’s mother and grandmother are also appearing in court, expected to plead guilty to blackmailing him over the allegations. Legal experts anticipate convictions for all three; Paal faces up to five years in prison.
Parliamentary inquiries have become a matter of threats and absences. Wolfgang Sobotka, the former National Council President, canceled his appearance at a hearing on alleged political interventions. Chancellor Christian Stocker reacted by warning that the questioning in the Pilnacek inquiry committee will have consequences, though he did not specify for whom.
The cost of the future is weighing on current budgets. A new study suggests that ignoring climate change could cost the economy €1 billion every year. Meanwhile, the Brenner Base Tunnel through the Alps is now expected to open in 2034, twenty-six years after construction began, with the bill reaching €11.7 billion.