News from Austria

Van der Bellen likely has won election as Austria's president
Published: 4 Dec 2016 16:59 GMT+01:00

In a long and hard-fought election battle which dragged on months longer than normal, and which drew significant international interest, the far-right candidate, Norbert Hofer, appears to have lost his bid to be president, according to exit polls.

Polls closed at 17:00, but many postal votes remain to be counted.  Election officials have announced that a provisional result will be published at 7:30 p.m. CET (Vienna time.)

Austrian far-right candidate Norbert Hofer on Sunday congratulated his opponent in presidential elections after projections indicated that he had lost.

http://www.thelocal.at/20161204/van-der-bellen-likely-has-won-election-as-austrias-president

Thank goodness if Hofer has lost!!    LL

The various people I spoke to while I was in Vienna agree the migrant issue is a problem, but for them to vote for Hofer, leader of a party founded in 1956 by Anton Reinthaller, who had served in the Seyss-Inquart national socialist government formed in collaboration with Hitler after the Anschluss in 1938 is not possible. Austrians are only too aware of their connection with Hitler and the Nazis and have tried very hard to move away from this sorry part of their history. LL

Unfortunately, the problem isn't going to go away because of unfortunate events decades ago, LL. No-one who voted for the Green has any right to ever complain about immigrants, ever again.

They'd really rather see their lovely cities trashed by third world criminals than be a bit embarrassed because of events seventy years ago? Well, they must prefer that, because they've just given the EU the green light to import more.

I don't think for one minute that this is the end of trouble, IMO, it's only the beginning. Not least because that is a big vote for Hofer - they aren't going to go away.

The Italian referendum should become clearer in a few hours; that should be interesting.

I'm looking forward to the Italian one - they may exit the EU?

I voted as is my choice since I prefer not to vote in the UK elections as I will not be moving back there. LL

It's complicated, from what I can make out, Lily.

http://news.sky.com/story/italians-head-for-polls-in-referendum-as-europe-looks-on-10682815

Italians are heading to the polls in a referendum which could have significant ramifications for the whole of Europe.

The public are being asked to vote 'yes' or 'no' to constitutional change which would reduce the power of the Italian senate in order to streamline Italy's notoriously gridlocked legislative process.

On the face of it, it's dry domestic politics which, while important for Italy, wouldn't normally prick much interest beyond the country.

However, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who called the referendum and wants the change to be voted for, has staked his political career on winning.

If the vote is 'no', he has pledged to resign; a promise he made when the polls suggested he'd win by a margin.

Now the polls are neck and neck. If he sticks to his resignation pledge, it could plunge the country into political turmoil.

That in turn would cause economic instability in a struggling eurozone country.


The 'Noes' seem to be a ragbag of everyone who's sick to death of the establishment, from the Northern League to the Clown Party aka The Five Star Movement.

Peter Ceretti ‏@p_ceretti 14m14 minutes ago
Turnout estimated at 56.84% with 3,485 / 7,998 municipalities reporting. V good number. S continues to trail N, but all regions above 42%.

Make of that what you will.

I think I will wait for a decisive answer......thank you, Bonny. 

European politics can be very confusing.....

bb1 wrote:European politics can be very confusing.....

Not to Europeans .... but to others .... LL

You can say that again.......

lily wrote:You can say that again.......

I have no problems understanding Europeans, or Americans either - but have problems with the English! LL

The Loud Mouthed Bint who thinks she is G-d's gift to women is English?

lily wrote:The Loud Mouthed Bint who thinks she is G-d's gift to women is English?

Pardon? Who? Confused of Vienna. LL

The one who rants on and on?  She is such a huuuuuge victim too?  She may have some Irish in her though.......

lily wrote:The one who rants on and on?  She is such a huuuuuge victim too?  She may have some Irish in her though.......

If you mean the Raddled One, yes, I have heard the rumor she is of Irish extraction. LL

DING! DING! Correct......

Vincenzo Scarpetta ‏@LondonerVince 2h2 hours ago
#Italy referendum @RaiNews exit poll: NO 54-58%, YES 42-46%.

If that's correct, that's a HUGE defeat for the government.

I'll start a new thread as soon as there's something more substantial than a tweet, as this has enormous implications.

Nazi POW leaves estate to 'kind' Scottish village

Published: 03 Dec 2016 17:25 GMT+01:00


A former Nazi prisoner of war has left his entire estate in his will to a small village in Scotland to show his appreciation for the kindness he received there during his captivity.

http://www.thelocal.de/20161203/nazi-pow-leaves-estate-to-kind-scottish-village

An interview with him in 2010, LL:

http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/interview-heinrich-steinmeyer-former-pow-1-476058

Schönbrunn Panda-Dad diagnosed with abdominal tumor



Schönbrunn Zoo's "panda dad" Long Hui has been diagnosed with an abdominal tumor. He is currently receiving all veterinary care available to him, including the advisory of panda specialists from China.

From veterinarians, to zoologists, to zookeepers, everything possible is being done to help him in his compromised and risky physical condition. Since his diagnosis, he has spent most of his time inside, while still remaining visible to zoo visitors.

Long Hui is described as having a very relaxed character and usually happy disposition. His caretakers do not dare to leave him out of their sight during this difficult and uncertain time for him.

The 16-year old panda recently became the father of twin panda babies at the famous zoo, named Fu Feng and Fu Ban by popular vote. Having arrived at Schönbrunn in March of 2003, Long Hui has five panda offspring in total with his panda partner, Yang Yang.

Aw, that's a shame. I hope the vets can help him.

bb1 wrote:Aw, that's a shame. I hope the vets can help him.

We saw him when we visited the zoo while we were in Vienna recently, didn't know he was unwell - maybe it was diagnosed after we were there,   We also saw the mum but the twins were not outside at all, not even in the panda house itself.   They are supposed to be coming out in January.    LL

Oh, poor guy.  Hope he gets well quickly.