Gewessler accuses Totschnig of lacking climate protection

"As a tough negotiating counterpart," especially on the topic of climate protection, she experienced Mahrer, said Green Party leader Leonore Gewessler in the ORF "Press Hour." However, his resignation deserves respect. The dwindling support was due to salary increases for chamber employees far above inflation, significant increases in compensation for members of the chambers of commerce presidium, and associated inadequate communication. Added to this was criticism of Mahrer's multiple incomes.

Gewessler Sees Need for Reform at WKÖ

Regarding the salary increases of 4.2 percent, which the Green Economy also approved in the extended presidium, Gewessler said: It is the chamber's task to resolve how to deal with it. But the chamber will also have to make its contribution, especially since the salary package for civil servants was reopened. There is also a need for reform in compulsory membership.

In addition to Mahrer, ÖVP club chairman August Wöginger was also criticized in recent weeks. After admitting in court to an unlawful intervention in the appointment of the Braunau tax office and getting away with a diversion, he also survived the process politically. He did not consider stepping down. Gewessler commented: "In his place, I would have reacted differently."

Government Still "Flying Blind" with Budget

The federal government was criticized for the ongoing uncertainties regarding the budget deficit: "It cannot be that months after the budget decision, we are still flying blind." A grim picture of finances was also painted on Saturday by ÖGK head Peter McDonald, who predicted a deficit of nearly 800 million euros for 2029 in a conversation with APA.

Green Party leader Gewessler can also relate to the proposal by Salzburg Governor Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) to transfer all health agendas to the federal government. "In the end, people in this country don't care who is responsible. They want a healthcare system that works." Shared responsibilities, however, are not productive: "We have ten captains on one boat, sailing and steering in different directions."

Gewessler rejected criticism that climate protection is to blame for the budget crisis. "We have supported people and businesses (in government responsibility during the Russian attack on Ukraine, ed.) and I stand by that. We also need to consolidate now." Instead of saving on climate protection now, other areas should be targeted. "When, if not now, is the time to tackle this?" she said regarding the diesel privilege.

Gewessler Criticizes Totschnig and the SPÖ for Lack of Climate Protection

The Greens are not only concerned with climate protection, but also with people, emphasized the party leader. For example, the climate ticket was also a project to make mobility affordable. "Dear Minister, where are the energy laws?" asked the former climate minister in the direction of her successor Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP). As reported by ORF radio on Sunday, talks are currently underway between the three-party coalition and the FPÖ.

ÖVP General Secretary Nico Marchetti appealed in a statement on Sunday to the Greens and the Freedom Party to implement the Electricity Industry Act (ElWG) with their approval as part of a two-thirds majority. FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker, meanwhile, launched an attack against Gewessler. In a statement, he called her interview an "ideological crusade against the own population." "Our country does not need climate hysteria and leftist ideological sectarianism, but real environmental protection with common sense," said Hafenecker. He demands, among other things, relief on fuel prices and a "clear commitment to individual transport."

Greens Want to Use "All Means" Against Lobau Tunnel

She generally had little good to say about her successor. The ongoing COP30 climate conference in Brazil provided an occasion, "the only place where something good can emerge globally," but only if one wants to achieve something. She apparently does not trust Totschnig to do so. "Have a rendezvous with the reality of the climate crisis," she told him. The coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS had, for example, abolished the climate bonus introduced under Gewessler, significantly increased the prices of the climate ticket, and now wants to build the Lobau tunnel after all.

Speaking of Lobau: Whether the Greens would participate in a possible occupation was left open by Gewessler. But it is clear: "We will use all the means we have in parliament." Because the Lobau tunnel is not the right solution for drivers either. "In the end, we will not only be stuck in traffic on the Tangente, but on the Tangente and in the tunnel." Gewessler called for pressure to be exerted on the pricing of state energy suppliers and for the expansion of networks. "I especially wonder where the social democracy is in this government?" Gewessler also criticized the SPÖ and complained that family benefits had not been adjusted to inflation.

Gewessler: VfGH Will Overturn Headscarf Ban Again

Once again, Gewessler emphasized that she does not agree with the headscarf ban. She assumes that, as in 2019, it will not hold up before the Constitutional Court. She was "annoyed" both by the statement about the cityscape from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the support of his domestic counterpart Christian Stocker (ÖVP).

(APA/Red)

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