In the “Krone” interview, LH Anton Mattle from Tyrol explains why Italy’s Transport Minister, Salvini, is not a priority in his appointment calendar, what he thinks about the idea of inviting the Chancellor to Tyrol and how he plans deal with the transit problem.
Tunnel boring machine reaches the Brenner: a historic moment in the history of the Brenner base tunnel. But one that went on stage this week without LH Anton Mattle and State Councilor René Zumtobel.
On that day, Mattle presented awards from the Republic of Austria on behalf of the Federal President and Zumtobel was indispensable at an SPÖ retreat. Both had been invited to the ceremony in South Tyrol by the tunnel operator BBT SE, but the date was not agreed in advance – a rather unusual event.
Rough tone from Minister of Transport
No one in the country had expected Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, who has often rejected Tyrol with harsh demands, to show up at the Brenner Pass. “Completely unrealistic that anything could be discussed during the tunnel celebrations,” says the Zumtobel office: “Discussions are taking place in Brussels – and Italy regularly rises from the negotiating table there.”
No to strict requirements
The “Tiroler Krone” asked LH Anton Mattle for an appraisal. “It is good that Salvini got an idea of the traffic turnaround on the ground. Of course, a talk between the Tyrolean governor and the Italian transport minister would be appropriate given the huge differences of opinion. Italy’s willingness to talk and find a solution , however, never ends, because Salvini demands the abolition of all Tyrolean anti-transit measures before entering into talks. That is out of the question for me,” Mattle says unequivocally.
His door is always open when it comes to European solutions, such as the shift to rail, a corridor toll or the lock system: “New measures are needed, not less.”
Noise should be more in focus
Here, the head of state wants to focus more on noise nuisance in the future. “Air quality is one thing, noise pollution is another. We have made great progress in terms of air quality thanks to the Tyrolean anti-transit measures, but air quality is not yet guaranteed. At some point, however, clean electric and hydrogen trucks will come to dominate transportation. Then there is the noise pollution. That is why I will focus on noise reduction in future measures,” announces LH Mattle.
“Safe support from Vienna”
He supports the reduction of air pollutant limit values (IG Luft) – as proposed by the EU Commission based on WHO recommendations – but urges rapid implementation across Europe: “Austria going alone could create a competitive disadvantage because the limit values also affect the domestic economy.”
Regarding Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s invitation by Tyrolean anti-transit fighter Fritz Gurgiser, Mattle says he is already in close contact with the federal government on the transit issue: “Tirol can count on support from Vienna on the transit issue.”
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.
