The Austrian Parliament has

voted with 137 out of 170 votes for compulsory vaccination.

33 MPs spoke out against the measure in Vienna on Thursday, 13 MPs did not take part in the vote.

In the previous debate, in addition to the coalition factions ÖVP and Greens, the opposition SPÖ and parts of the liberal Neos had spoken out in favor of general vaccination.

The right-wing FPÖ expressed a firm rejection.

The compulsory vaccination should come into force at the beginning of February.

It is to be flanked by financial incentives for immunization. The Christian-Democratic-Green government has agreed on this with parts of the opposition. In a vaccination fleet organized by the ORF, consumption vouchers worth 500 euros each should be up for grabs. Everyone who has received a vaccination (also earlier) can get a ticket. In addition, municipalities should receive financial allocations, the amount of which depends on the vaccination rate in the respective municipality.

The step is the most far-reaching regulation in the EU to date.

Italy and Greece have mandatory vaccinations for the elderly.

In Austria, the obligation should apply to all citizens who are at least 18 years old.

Exceptions are made for pregnant women and anyone who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

The Bundesrat, i.e. the chamber of the federal states, will probably have to approve the law on February 3rd.

The new law is being discussed controversially in public.

During the assessment phase, more than 100,000 often critical statements reached Parliament.

Tens of thousands demonstrate regularly in Austria against the Corona measures.

Violations of the vaccination requirement are subject to income-related penalties of up to 3,600 euros.

However, they should not be imposed until mid-March at the earliest.