The fierce criticism of the car summit by ÖVP chancellor Karl Nehammer did not go away the next day. In particular, the use of e-fuels, which were often judged to have little chance, was criticized and sometimes even applauded, for example by the Party for Freedom. Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) gave a substantive tit-for-tat to the coalition partner on Thursday, who spoke unusually clear words.
“Everyone agrees on the subject of the future of the car,” said the minister, who also downplayed Nehammer’s expert panel, from which the chancellor explained the slide towards “technological openness” (i.e. sticking to the internal combustion engine). According to Gewessler, e-mobility is the future. That’s what the companies would invest in, “the science is clear, that’s the smartest solution” (see video above).
“No matter how many times you repeat it, it doesn’t change reality”
Gewessler dismissed the hopes of e-fuels, i.e. synthetic fuels that fans of internal combustion engines are eager to reach, even if they may be backed up by research figures: “No matter how many times you repeat fantasy figures, it does not change reality, it changes nothing about the investments, it doesn’t change the physics,” said the minister. Smug addendum: “Nevertheless, I am glad that all members of the federal government are concerned with the mobility issue.”
Nehammer had repeatedly spoken out in favor of “openness of technology” and brought the subject of e-fuels into play. Criticism came not only from the political competition, but also from numerous experts who describe these fuels as not energy efficient compared to electric cars.
Hafenecker: ÖVP speaks with a forked tongue
However, the FPÖ especially disliked the large-scale car summit: the action shows that the ÖVP speaks with a forked tongue, according to the blue secretary-general Christian Hafenecker. To be credible on this point, the Chancellor had only had to agree to the motions already tabled against a ban on internal combustion engines.
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.
