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Austrian government launches repair scheme for electronic goods

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In Austria, the government has introduced the Repair Bonus voucher scheme to encourage people to repair rather than discard old electrical appliances. The program provides financial support of up to €200 for repairs on items such as washing machines, electric kettles, laptops, and mobile phones. Individuals, like Erik, appreciate the initiative as it helps them save money and make environmentally conscious choices.

Erik, who had previously used the Repair Bonus to fix an old CD player, is now getting his laptop repaired at a workshop in Vienna called Helferline. He mentions that the scheme makes it more convenient to decide whether to repair or replace items, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of repairing over buying new.

The Repair Bonus has proven beneficial for local businesses like Helferline, where revenues have doubled since the introduction of the scheme. Clemens Schmidgruber, the CEO of Helferline, describes it as a win-win situation for customers, businesses, and the environment. Customers can download a voucher from a government website, pay the repair shop upfront, and receive half of the costs back after three to four weeks.

Financed through the Covid Recovery Fund, the repair voucher system in Austria specifically covers electrical appliances. However, the City of Vienna operates a separate scheme that assists with repairs to old clothes, bicycles, and furniture. Markus Piringer, the co-ordinator of the Repair Network in Vienna, notes that the financial incentive provided by the Repair Bonus encourages people to choose repair over buying new items.

Piringer emphasizes the need for products to be designed for repairability and calls for efforts at the European Union level to address this issue. He suggests that changing policies and mindsets is crucial to promoting a culture of repair and sustainability. While the number of repairs has increased in Austria due to voucher schemes, Piringer warns of a shortage of technicians and craftspeople, calling for initiatives to promote repair as a viable job option.

At a bicycle shop in Vienna, the Repair Bonus has made a significant impact, attracting customers even during the typically slow winter season. Marc Warnaar, the shop owner, highlights the positive influence of the voucher scheme on their business, noting an increase in repairs and customer engagement.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

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Ukraine grenade incident: Councillor tosses explosives into meeting

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In the western Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, a shocking incident unfolded during a village council meeting in Keretsky when a councillor threw grenades, injuring a total of 26 people. The meeting, which was livestreamed on Facebook, centered around discussions on the 2024 budget and financial results for the current year. The attacker’s motive remains unknown, and police have yet to provide details on the possible reasons behind the assault.

The chaotic scene unfolded approximately 90 minutes into the meeting when one councillor, visibly agitated about the budget discussions, abruptly left the room and returned with grenades. In a chilling sequence captured on the livestream, the assailant briefly attempted to attract attention, uttering “May I, may I?” before hurling the grenades into the meeting. The resulting explosion left six individuals in critical condition, while the broader community of Keretsky, with a population of around 4,000, grapples with the aftermath of this unforeseen act of violence.

Despite Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and widespread access to weaponry, there is currently no evidence linking this attack to the geopolitical tensions in the region. The village of Keretsky, situated not far from the Hungarian border, now finds itself in the midst of an investigation as Ukrainian police designate the incident as a “terrorist attack.” The SBU security service will lead the inquiry into this shocking act, with authorities seeking to understand the motives behind the councillor’s violent actions.

As the investigation unfolds, it has been reported that the assailant, who is now in serious condition, was promptly taken to a hospital and admitted to an intensive care unit. The incident has left the community in shock and raises questions about the safety and security of local government meetings. The repercussions of this violent event will undoubtedly reverberate through the village and the broader region as authorities work to piece together the motives behind this unsettling act of aggression.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright