Manuela Khom proposes shorter summer holidays in Austria

Manuela Khom, the Styrian ÖVP leader and Deputy Governor, has proposed a restructuring of the summer holiday schedule. In a formal request sent to Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr, Khom suggested starting summer holidays one week earlier and reducing their total duration by two weeks.

Khom argues that the changes are necessary to adapt to increasing summer heat, allow for longer learning periods in the autumn, and provide relief for families regarding childcare. While she supports the continued use of autumn holidays for student recovery and tourism, she noted that they currently occur too soon after the summer break.

Khom is seeking a uniform nationwide model rather than a solution limited to Styria. She highlighted a current disadvantage for Styrian students, noting that while Vienna begins summer holidays in late June or early July, Styria is legally required to start a week later. The proposal aims to address these regional discrepancies and the timing of the school year.