Austria's Government Agrees on Military Service Reform, Social Media Ban for Minors

Austria's government convened in Salzburg, coinciding with the start of the festival season, to announce a significant reform of the military and civil service. The agreement, reached after intensive negotiations, establishes a six-plus-three-month structure for military service and a nine-plus-two-month system for civil service, with the additional months initially voluntary but potentially mandatory.

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The dream of lasting peace has burst. It is too little to acquire new equipment if the soldiers have too little time to train.

Chancellor Christian Stocker emphasized the need for Austria to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, stating, "The dream of lasting peace has burst." He argued that acquiring new equipment is insufficient if soldiers lack adequate training time. This reform, he noted, aims to improve the nation's defense readiness.

In addition to the military service changes, the cabinet approved a social media ban for individuals under 14 years old. Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler highlighted this measure as a crucial step to protect children, asserting, "Our children are no longer safe. They have a right to be protected by politics."

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Our children are no longer safe. They have a right to be protected by politics.

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger called the military service reform an "important breakthrough," underscoring the power of democracy in finding common ground despite differing views. The meeting also saw Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer in attendance, who shared that his chemotherapy for cancer is progressing well.

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an important breakthrough. With respect for each other, we have found a common path despite all different views. This shows the power of democracy.