The coalition partners ÖVP and the Greens apparently do not have much to say to each other anymore. Although it actually falls under the responsibility of Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens), Chancellor Karl Nehammer presented a concept for the expansion of the infrastructure (road and rail) in Austria on Monday.
Gewessler herself had her performance at a different location on Monday morning – separate from the coalition partner.
The Energy Minister presented plans for a photovoltaic system on the roof of Vienna’s Westbahnhof train station.
At the same time, Nehammer presented his offensive for road construction in Austria at the Vienna Danube Tower together with Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP). He also found critical words against Gewessler.
Chancellor criticizes Gewessler
“The government has demonstrable successes in many areas, but in my opinion too little in the infrastructure sector,” the Chancellor emphasized. According to him, the only thing that has been discussed lately is what cannot be built. Nehammer: The time when ideology determined the expansion of infrastructure must be over.”
The cooperation between the ÖVP and the Greens at federal level is due to end on September 29, “after which a new opportunity will begin for the Austrians – also in the area of infrastructure”.
According to Nehammer, the ÖVP will “focus on implementing urgently needed and legally approved projects as quickly as possible” in the next government. For example, the Chancellor also wants to build the Lobau Tunnel, which Gewessler rejects.
ÖVP wants 44.5 billion euros in Hand take
In the coming period, the People’s Party wants to “think holistically about infrastructure” and invest a total of 44.5 billion euros by 2030. The largest part (21 billion euros) will go to expanding the railway, while 11.1 billion euros will go to the road network. In addition, they want to improve the energy sector with 10 billion euros and promote the expansion of broadband – especially in rural areas – with 2.4 billion euros.
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.
