When it comes to the number of days off per year, Austria ranks among the best in an international comparison, and there are always discussions. The “crown” illuminates the backgrounds.
For some, they’re well-deserved breaks from the hard work day, others want to abolish them: discussions about the meaning and purpose of holidays keep breaking out. The fact is that almost all holidays in Austria are of Christian origin. Even if many don’t even know what’s being celebrated – and the number of Catholics and Protestants has fallen sharply in recent years, according to a recent survey by Statistics Austria. In 2001, 74 percent were Catholic, in 2021 it was only 55 percent.
More holidays than the Italians
With 13 public holidays, Austria is one of the international leaders and can look forward to more free time than, for example, Italy, which is considered particularly Catholic (eleven public holidays). Only Slovakia, Cyprus (15 each) and Malta (14) are ahead of the Alpine Republic. When you combine the number of holidays with holiday entitlements, Austria ranks fifth in Europe behind Lithuania (41), Finland, France and Russia (40 each) with 38 days off. The world leader is Brazil with a total of 41 days (see graph).
“It is absurd to talk about abolition”
Any reduction in public holidays is critically examined, for example in the Chamber of Commerce. “There’s no point in talking about it,” says Silvia Hruska-Frank, head of Social Affairs, who is afraid of longer working hours in such a case. “Holidays are culturally shaped, have a social value, for example for families and clubs.” The Chamber of Commerce states about this: “How labor law deals with such discussions is regulated in the Labor Rest Act. As far as we are concerned, a change is not on the agenda at the moment.”
Conclusion: Even if not many Austrians actively celebrate their faith, the holidays are sacred to them.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
