The Chancellor promises to implement shelved road projects if the ÖVP returns to government in the fall. He accuses the Green Transport Minister of a dogmatically motivated delaying tactic.
New week, new campaign event. And once again, it’s about cars and the Green Climate Protection Minister. Just last Wednesday, Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) announced that he would implement two road construction projects halted by Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) if the ÖVP remains in government after the National Council election in the fall. ÖVP transport spokesperson Andreas Ottenschläger also assured last week that there would be no end to the S18 in Vorarlberg with the People’s Party. On Monday, Nehammer and Ottenschläger, together with Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP), followed up. There would be an offensive for road construction with the ÖVP. For instance, the controversial Lobau Tunnel is seen as necessary.
Once again, Gewessler was the sticking point, who is also responsible for transport. Her ministry has stopped several road construction projects in the past. And this was done for dogmatic reasons, according to the Chancellor’s accusation directed at the Greens. The road, as infrastructure, is essential for the location of Austria – alongside rail, energy, and digital infrastructure. One must think holistically about infrastructure and invest accordingly in all areas. It is also about the location of Austria, said the Chancellor, who has also promised investments in railway and energy infrastructure.
No to climate protection
Preventing roads in the name of climate protection is shortsighted, argue the ÖVP representatives. Firstly, even climate-neutral cars will need roads. Secondly, closing gaps, like through the Lobau Tunnel, would improve traffic flow, relieve congested roads, and thus positively affect environmental quality.
Especially north of the Danube, the traffic infrastructure is relatively underdeveloped, said Friedrich Zibuschka, Associate Professor at the Institute for Transport at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Boku), referring to the Lobau Tunnel and the Marchfeld Schnellstraße. The railway infrastructure in the region also needs to be expanded. In any case, the comparatively weak infrastructure affects the location. It is no coincidence that hardly any high-ranking industries have settled in the region. (luis)