# #Politics in the news

October 22, 2026 at 07:16 PM

> ÖVP Rejects Easier Access to Austrian Citizenship · Sebastian Kurz Rules Out Return to Politics · Tyrolean Politician Apologizes for Racist Remarks

[ÖVP Rejects Easier Access to Austrian Citizenship](<https://austriareport.com/article/ovp-rejects-easier-access-to-austrian-citizenship-24c6d005>)
*October 22, 2026 at 07:16 PM* - General Secretary Markus Gstöttner maintains that citizenship must remain the final step of integration under strict national laws.

[Sebastian Kurz Rules Out Return to Politics](<https://austriareport.com/article/sebastian-kurz-rules-out-return-to-politics-8af930ee>)
*October 15, 2026 at 04:40 PM* - Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz dismisses rumors of a political comeback, citing his focus on entrepreneurship and business.

[Tyrolean Politician Apologizes for Racist Remarks](<https://austriareport.com/article/tyrolean-politician-apologizes-for-racist-remarks-a067165b>)
*October 3, 2026 at 11:34 AM* - A Tyrolean ÖVP politician has issued an apology after a viral Oktoberfest video showed him making exclusionary comments to a non-German.