Austrian coalition averts risk of collapse with deal on policy goals

Austria's centrist government coalition reached an agreement on 30 January 2017 which reportedly averted the risk of government collapse. The deal included a number of policy objectives.

Among the agreed policies, the government was scheduled to propose the introduction of minimum wage package, discrimination of foreign workers and a ban on the Muslim face veil in public places.

This agreement was seen as a way to appease right-wing voters and to avoid a snap parliamentary election, at a moment in which the radical right party led in opinion polls.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 30.01.17: Austrian coalition deal includes ban on Muslim face veils http://www.euractiv.com/section/languages-culture/news/austrian-coalition-deal-includes-ban-on-muslim-face-veils/

The Independent, 31.01.17: Austrian government promises Muslim veil ban in attempt to appease right-wing voters http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/austria-muslim-veil-ban-burka-far-right-freedom-party-a7554151.html

Deutsche Welle, 30.01.17: Austria to ban 'full-face veil' in public spaces, says Kern http://dw.com/p/2WgNj

Politico, 31.01.17: Austria bans the burqa http://www.politico.eu/article/austria-bans-the-burqa/

Euronews, 30.01.17: Austria to ban Muslim face veils in bid to counter rise of extreme right http://www.euronews.com/2017/01/30/austria-to-ban-muslim-face-veils-in-bid-to-counter-rise-of-extreme-right

The Local.at, 30.01.17: Austria moves to ban full-face veil http://www.thelocal.at/20170130/austria-moves-to-ban-full-face-veils

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