Peter Buchmüller, head of the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce, thinks tougher sanctions against Russia are dangerous.
The Austrian head of the Chamber of Commerce Harald Mahrer (ÖVP) caused dust this weekend with statements about the sanctions against Russia and their consequences. They were “imagined with only one half of the brain”. Oil that is no longer taken from Russia due to the sanctions would come from India via detours to Europe “with a corresponding premium”. With serious consequences for the domestic economy.
Peter Buchmüller, chairman of the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce, sees it in the same way as his Viennese boss: “I agree with Mr Mahrer. He says that we are hit harder in Austria than the Russians. But that was not the purpose of the exercise.” The 67-year-old is particularly concerned that both the oil and gas taps could be permanently closed. “We have contracts with Russia. We need the gas, they have to supply it. If the gas stops flowing, we can can’t even imagine what will happen. Corona has nothing against that. If everything is in order, tens of thousands are unemployed, then the social system and social peace are in danger. We all don’t want that!”
Buchmüller wants to tap domestic resources
What annoys Buchmüller in this regard is the passivity in his own country. “We have gas in the country and we are being blackmailed. Something should have happened much earlier,” said the WKS boss angrily. “I’ve been saying for months: we have underground gas reserves in Lower Austria that will last 25 to 30 years. Why don’t we crack it, why don’t we extract it in times of crisis? This is incomprehensible. Years ago, Montanuni Leoben launched a new process that does not pollute the water!”
Of course, Buchmüller has no quick way out of the misery caused by the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. “We are all in the dark at the moment.” When it comes to sanctions, at least the grocer knows which way to go. “I would not relax the sanctions, but I would not consider further tightening either. Imposing sanctions first and then relaxing again does not give a good picture. I will stick to that: our population must be closer to us. Harm Austria, tighten it further!”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
