Minister of Green Climate Leonore Gewessler does not consider glue campaigns as a suitable means to promote climate protection. She can understand the citizens’ dissatisfaction. The Last Generation would destroy much of what Fridays for Future had built.
Fridays For Future has significantly advanced climate policy in Europe. Without the group, the EU “would not be as advanced in many ways” when it comes to the Green Deal. The current discussion and the activities of the last generation now show that “sense of measure and purpose has been lost” on all sides. The minister can understand the dissatisfaction of many people when roads on the way to work or school are blocked.
“You also have to ask yourself whether this still advances the common cause of climate protection or causes more harm,” says Gewessler. Ultimately, the goal of climate protection in a parliamentary democracy is to find majorities. There is no point in bothering more and more people. During her time as an activist, she herself resorted to other forms of action: “I went where the decisions were made and protested.”
Against tightening of the laws
At the same time, given the conflict in the Middle East, it is “completely inappropriate to make excessive terrorism comparisons,” he said. The persistent actions are civil disobedience and this form of protest also belongs in a strong democracy.
When protests go too far and property is damaged or people are endangered, there are laws and regulations that must be enforced. In the minister’s view, legal tightening, as coalition partner ÖVP often advocates, is not necessary.
The Vienna public prosecutor’s office is currently investigating 29 Last Generation activists on suspicion of forming a criminal organization. Such investigations are a decision of the judiciary, “and I have full confidence in the independent judiciary, which does not need any political appeal,” Gewessler explains.
The environmental protection organization Global 2000, of which Gewessler was director until 2019, sharply criticized “the criminalization of peaceful protest” in early December and described the prosecutor’s actions as “excessive and disproportionate”.
The travel allowance will continue to apply
The Minister cannot understand the recent excitement surrounding the supposedly imminent abolition of the travel allowance. “I found this discussion strange,” Gewessler said. Coalition partners ÖVP and the Greens as well as experts agree that a reform of the fixed rate makes sense. The goal is “more climate protection, more social justice”.
There has never been any talk of abolition. “I think it is unfair and also dubious to assume that,” said the minister. The ÖVP-led Ministry of Finance is responsible for the reform.
Commuters often depend on cars:
The debate was indirectly initiated by Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP), who, during the World Climate Conference in Dubai, joined an initiative by the Netherlands to reduce subsidies for fossil fuels. In Austria, in addition to the travel allowance, this also includes the tax bonus for diesel, both of which encourage behavior that is harmful to the climate.
Experts have been critical of the current design of travel allowances for some time now. Because the amount depends on income, higher earners receive more money than lower earners. It also contributes to urban expansion and promotes soil sealing.
It’s getting warmer in Austria:
Aviation also enjoys tax benefits; The jet fuel kerosene is exempt from tax on mineral oils, despite the climate-damaging emissions caused by its combustion. “I am very happy that this is being addressed, namely at European level, where it makes sense,” Gewessler said. A corresponding proposal is part of the EU climate package “Fit for 55”, now before the Council of EU Finance Ministers.
Fossil energies as a means of pressure
The energy cost subsidy for companies is also criticized as harmful to the climate, because it mainly promotes the consumption of fossil fuels without providing incentives to save energy. “We are in a time of enormous challenges,” Gewessler said, referring to the turmoil in energy markets following Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
“We have clearly felt in Austria what dependence on Russian gas means.” In such a situation it is important to support companies and private individuals. In the longer term, however, it is necessary to become independent of fossil fuels; this is the only way Austria can escape blackmail, the minister emphasizes.
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.
