News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

German rail strike begins

In Germany, Deutsche Bahn says it will take legal action against train drivers who began a four-day strike early this morning. The walkout has disrupted train service across the country. The train drivers’ union is demanding higher wages and fewer working hours.

Luxembourg accused of helping tax-dodgers

Luxembourg has helped over 350 multinational companies avoid paying taxes in other countries. That’s according to documents leaked to a group of investigative journalists. The revelation comes is the EU is cracking down on multinationals’ tax avoidance schemes.

Protest in Brussels

Tens of thousands of people have gathered in Brussels to protest against the Belgian’s government’s economic reforms. The reforms call for raising the retirement age, capping wages and cutting public services.

UN calls for more help in Ebola crisis

The World Bank has offered 450 million dollars in financing to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, the three countries hit hardest by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The US is expected to offer up to six billion dollars to help contain and eradicate the virus, but the United Nations coordinator for Ebola, Tony Banbury, says more aid is needed: “This disease is still a crisis is some areas, there’s no doubt about it. There are people, villages, towns, areas that are not getting any type of help right now and we need more resources so that we can defeat the disease wherever it is.”

Demonstration for missing students in Mexico

Thousands of demonstrators have rallied in Mexico City to demand to know the fate of 43 Mexican students who went missing six weeks ago in the southern city of Iguala after clashing with police. The city’s mayor was arrested earlier this week, as have been 40 police officials, who are alleged to have ties to a narcotics cartel. Miriam Perez was one of the protesters: “We want justice for the missing students. We want their bodies to be found, whatever it takes. If they are not alive, at least find them so their families can mourn.”

Obama calls for political cooperation

After his Democrats lost the Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections, US President Barack Obama is reaching out to Republicans and calling for cooperation during his last two years in office: “Let’s get started on those things where we agree, then I think that’s going to give the American people a little more confidence that, in fact, their government is looking after them.”

Netanyahu: No change at disputed holy site

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there will be no change to the status of a major holy site in Jerusalem. In recent week, hardline Israeli politicians have stepped up demands for the removal of restrictions preventing Jews from praying at the site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Holy Sanctuary.

NATO chief visits Afghanistan

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is in Afghanistan on a unannounced visit. He told Aghan leaders in Kabul the western alliance would continues to support the country after the NATO mission to Afghanistan ends at the end of the year. NATO has promised to help fund the Afghan military and to provide support and training amid concerns of a resurgence by the Taliban.

The weather

This afternoon will remain mostly cloudy with scattered rain, especially in Carinthia and East Tyrol. Snowfall can also be expected in Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Highs are ranging from 3 to 18 degrees.

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