Austria - 91.02
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The European template
Austria is quintessentially European. Austria’s successes are the successes of Europe as a continent, and its failings are the failings of the continent. Austria has some problems with grand corruption, with the Kurz administration being investigated both under a corruption inquiry and for Kurz’s potential involvement in the Ibiza Scandal. Ethnic minorities also experience disenfranchisement in some parts of rural Austria. Austria’s commitment to human rights, free and fair democracy, and strong economy carried it to a high score.
Human Rights - 96
Austria has fully abolished the death penalty. The Supreme Court ruled that March-April 2020 COVID lockdowns were unconstitutional for near outright bans on protesting in several regions for the duration of lockdowns. Austria deported 37 Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan during the year and maintained its stance that they had the right to do so after the Taliban gained control of the government. Austria guarantees a full gamut of LGBT rights. Abortion is legal to three months.
Democracy - 92
The largely ceremonial president is directly elected, and the chancellor is appointed by the president. The chancellor's nomination is usually announced before the election, so a vote for a presidential candidate is functionally a vote for the chancellor. The lower house of parliament is directly elected and the upper house is elected by state legislatures. Elections are free and fair and a wide range of parties compete. Ethnic minorities, especially Roma, are disenfranchised from local politics in some areas.
Freedom - 84
Politicians are quick to file defamation suits, often frivolously to force a settlement from dissenting journalists. The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) is consistently biased towards the incumbent. A law was recently overturned banning schoolchildren from wearing religious head coverings. Various other laws have been passed and subsequently overturned limiting the rights of Muslim women to wear hijabs. Austria has few official limits on freedom of speech, but it is specifically illegal to call Muhammad a pedophile. Austria recently decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis but the sale for recreational purposes remains illegal. Possession of other drugs remains illegal. Austria allows possession of most types of firearms, some without permits. Fully-automatic weapons are legal under very strict lisences.
Economy - 92
Health - 98
Austria has a life expectancy of 82 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.3%. 14.3% of Austrians are obese and 3% are malnourished. Austria’s world-class universal healthcare system provides free care to all Austrian and EU citizens. All Austrians have access to clean, running water. 25% of adult Austrians smoke regularly.
Corruption - 87
Nepotism is widespread in public services, and it is difficult to get large-scale contracts without grey-area exchanges and favors. Prior to his resignation, former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was investigated for his potential involvement in the Ibiza Scandal, and his administration was investigated in a corruption inquiry.
Competency - 92
Austria’s Supreme Court is famously slow to convene and regularly waits months before convening on laws later ruled unconstitutional. During the interim, these laws are enforced and penalties are handed down. Austria is failing to protect ethnic minorities.
Future - 82
Corruption has recently been worsening in Austria, and the Kurz government’s collapse amid allegations of corruption spells uncertainty for Austria’s political future. At the same time, Austria has recently been liberalizing a number of drug laws.
Actions Abroad - 82
Austria has supported Israel’s military campaigns in Palestine. Austria has supported the Republic of Cyprus’ opposition to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and opposed Turkey’s bids to enter NATO and the EU.
No Austrians live below the international poverty line, and 1% live below the national poverty line. 5.77% of Austrians are unemployed. Austria has a very low economic disparity. Austria has no minimum wage and all Austrian workers are expected to join unions. Unions have significant sway in Austria, and strikes in key industries are capable of bringing the country to a standstill for weeks. Austria has a very strong universal healthcare system, providing free care to all Austrian and EU citizens. Austria’s GDP shrunk 6.6% in 2020 and grew 1.4% in 2019.