Vienna will splash the cash on lighting up its famed Christmas markets to bring festive cheer to struggling retailers.
Chandeliers, glittering stars and sparkling red globes are among the designs illuminating 31 Viennese streets since last week, with the capital boosting spending on its end-of-year light displays as Austria's economy flounders.
"It's just beautiful. It makes the city a bit more beautiful," said student Kateryna Baranovska.
With local businesses increasingly unable to fork out the sums needed to keep the Christmas lights on, Vienna and its economic chamber will cover 75% instead of 50% of this year's costs, or some €700,000 (about R13.3 million) for the lighting alone.
The small Alpine nation's economic outlook has been gloomy since mid-2022, particularly as it is exposed to the difficulties of neighbouring Germany, its main trading partner.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 23, 2024 من The Citizen.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 23, 2024 من The Citizen.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Vienna lights up streets for shoppers
MARKETS: SUPPORT FOR STRUGGLING RETAILERS
A front-row seat to the rich tapestry of nature
River cruising offers intimate experience
The song remains the same
It's the message not the medium that's important
Downs intent on hitting hard
If you think Mamelodi Sundowns will take their foot off the pedal should they race to an early lead in the Carling Knockout final against Magesi FC, then you're grossly mistaken.
Clean sweep beckons
STICK: SPRINGBOKS CHASE THE COMPLETE PERFORMANCE AGAINST WALES
Recognising burgeoning talent
AWARDS: FEINBERG-MNGOMEZULU COULD CAP A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR IN MONACO
Deputy Howley backs Gatland to get Wales out of trouble
Under-fire Wales boss Warren Gatland is the \"world's best coach\" and going nowhere, according to assistant Rob Howley (right).
Flyhalf is very 'Sexton-esque'
Sam Prendergast (above) has never been lacking in self-confidence, with his talent evident to many, and today he will get to pull the strings for Ireland at flyhalf in the Test against Fiji.
Scottish success riding on Aussie Test
Huw Jones believes the success of Scotland's November international campaign will be judged on whether they beat a rejuvenated Australia at Murrayfield tomorrow.
French defeat is hard to swallow
ALL BLACKS: SHOWING HEALTHY RESPECT FOR AZZURRI