For some time now, climate activists have been drawing attention to themselves and their concerns through sticky campaigns and roadblocks in Austria. Most recently, morning traffic in Vienna was targeted every day for a week by the controversial blockades. Chancellor Karl Nehammer now found very clear words, even speaking of “sabotage”.
Members of the “Last Generation” group have been appearing every day since Monday – especially to the chagrin of drivers in Vienna. Among other things, the glue blockades for schools, on the Praterstern, on the Belt, on the Schüttelstrasse near the Danube Canal and recently for the Wiener Secession caused a stir.
The Chancellor therefore announced on Friday that he had instructed Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) to prepare a report on the performance of the executive branch in connection with the protests. It is important to consider “whether the existing legal and operational regulations are sufficient or whether there is a need for further tightening,” said Nehammer.
Nehammer: No democratic procedure
The Chancellor certainly showed understanding for the concerns of climate protectionists. Nevertheless, he stated: “The methods used by climate stickers are unacceptable. It’s sabotage.” Anyone who accepts damage to property, endangers people’s safety and health by manipulating vehicles or willfully accepting hours of traffic jams and delays is “sabotage our social coexistence,” says Nehammer.
In addition, these people would put themselves above the applicable rules that apply to everyone. “If everyone uses their concerns as a justification for putting themselves above the rules, then it has nothing to do with democracy. That is why there is freedom of demonstration and assembly.”
Research shows: population rejects methods
A market survey among 1000 Austrians aged 16 and older (period: 23 to 28 December) recently showed that the climate stickers are chasing the wrong horse and angering the population. Three-quarters of those surveyed think both roadblocks (76 percent) and color attacks on works of art (75 percent) are inappropriate. Only 5 percent think it’s a sensible idea.
“Where’s your climate plan?”
On Friday, for a fifth day in a row, the activists had blocked major roads in the federal capital and “expressed their desperation at the complete failure of the federal government to protect the climate and the future”. Among other things, they demand a speed limit of 100 km/h on the Autobahn. “We are the fire alarm of this society,” the action group said in a Twitter message on Friday morning. The government was asked: “Where is your climate plan?”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
