Vacation splate: where Austria's politicians relax this summer

Vacation splate: where Austria's politicians relax this summer

The holiday plans of the Austrian politicians show a clear preference for relaxing days in Europe, especially on the Mediterranean. While many travel to domestic realms, some leading personalities have also considered international destinations. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will initially visit South Africa for a state visit before he wants to spend time at the Attersee and in the Kaunertal. The other government members also have interesting plans.

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) is planning a relaxing day in Wiener Neustadt and a subsequent sea leader. Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) will spend two days with his family in Vorarlberg and will then travel to Portugal together with his wife and daughter. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) prefers the Ausseerland for her two-week summer vacation, but takes part in some official dates.

holiday destinations and activities of the ministers

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) is planning an active hiking holiday in Austria and South Tyrol. Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) and Minister of Women Eva-Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) both travel to Croatia, as well as Transport Minister Peter Hanke and Minister of Social Affairs Korinna Schumann (both SPÖ). Minister of Education Christoph Wegenreich (NEOS) will travel to Sweden and Norway with friends and his wife, while Minister of Economics Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) is planning a road trip to Corsica and conceding time for "men's excursions" in Upper Austria.

Chancellor Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) is planning a mountain tour on the Zugspitze, while State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP) travels to Italy for three days and takes part in the ID Austria summer tour. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner will take a short time in Austria in August, and Environment and Agriculture Minister Norbert Tettschnig (ÖVP) will spend his vacation on his brother's farm in Tyrol. Leonore Gewessler (Greens) plans to spend time in Carinthia in the mountains and on the lake.

sporting activities and relaxation

In addition, the politicians' vacation plans also show a kind of sporting activity. Finance Minister Magnus Brunner plans to spend time with his sons, especially with tennis. The other ministers have also planned active daily programs, many with a focus on domestic nature and leisure activities, which underpins a trend towards sporty and relaxing stays in Austria.

In the European context, other heads of state and government also spend their summer vacation quite differently. Top Italian staff, as Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, is planning a short vacation in their own country to support the tourism industry. In Denmark, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will spend her time on the island of Møn, whereas the Spanish royal family traditionally enjoys her summer vacation in Mallorca. France's President Emmanuel Macron has not yet specified his vacation plans, but could travel to the Riviera, while President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, plans to linger near Hanover in August if her professional obligations allow reported.

Overall, it becomes clear that the politicians' vacation plans are not only an opportunity for relaxation, but also for reflection and energy petrol station for the upcoming challenges. This individual time away from the political stage can not only serve personal well -being, but also to strengthen the connection to the citizens: inside.