Criticism also of the ÖVP – Maurer denounces SPÖ: “Concrete & gasoline batch”

As expected, Maurer rejects criticism of the opposition that turquoise-green reacts too little and too slowly to the huge price increase in an interview with the APA: the third aid package has already been decided, which at 28 billion euros is also “much bigger” than in other countries such as Germany. Earlier the green club chairman shot the ball back: “Of course it is the job of the opposition to criticize the government, but something more relevant, more factual suggestions would be in order.”

“Bundles of populist proposals”
The SPÖ is making “a bunch of populist proposals” that economists have judged impractical. On the other hand, by the end of the summer the cabinet will come up with a model for an “electricity price brake”, which has been proposed by Wifo, among others, and which “is actually feasible in contrast to ideas for an electricity price ceiling”. , where electricity markets in other countries are subsidized”.

“For the fact that Ms. Rendi-Wagner is already acting like the next chancellor, I consider her statements to be extremely unstateable,” Maurer said. Social Democracy plays an important role in Austrian democracy, but what it is currently delivering is not worthy of its ‘historical responsibility and tradition’, says the Green Club president. “Serious politics is much more than a plaque you hold up in plenary.”

Nationalizations for masons not excluded
However, Maurer would not be opposed in principle to the Lower Austrian SPÖ’s recent demand to re-nationalize OMV. Central infrastructure in the public sector pays off – but the current energy crisis is “much bigger” than such an individual measure and “these discussions cannot solve the acute situation,” says Maurer. Green Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler has in any case already taken concrete steps, Maurer recalls, for example, with regard to the strategic gas reserve. At the same time, it is also about becoming more independent from Russia and massively expanding the use of renewable energy sources. “Here the SPÖ remains guilty of any suggestion – in the end it is still a batch of concrete and gasoline,” said Maurer.

“We now have a stable federal government”
Asked about a possible “traffic light coalition” of SPÖ, Greens and NEOS after the next national elections, Maurer remained cautious. “We now have a stable federal government that is dealing with major crises, which I think has shown in the past two and a half years that it is ready.” One works, and “I see no reason to speculate about new elections or other coalition constellations”. After an election, it is important to see what lineups are possible, with the Greens focusing on the best possible answers to the climate crisis. “The SPÖ has not recently given the impression that their climate protection is a serious problem,” says Maurer.

But things don’t always run smoothly with the current coalition partner either. Maurer does not want to hear the ÖVP’s calls for a further postponement of the carbon tax, the heart of the Greens’ participation in government – this is impossible, the Greens club leader emphasized.

Maurer was also not exactly enthusiastic about the recent visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to Vienna. “Orbán’s racist and anti-Semitic statements are absolutely unacceptable and it was important that Chancellor Nehammer (ÖVP) made this very clear during his talks with the Hungarian head of government,” explains Maurer. And the fact that Austria is collaborating with neighboring Hungary and talks are underway is legitimate, she admitted. “But I don’t understand why a head of state who repeatedly makes anti-Semitic and racist statements, brags about his anti-EU stance and has anti-democratic aspirations, rolls out the red carpet and receives him with military honors.” Maurer criticized.

In the fall, the Greens want to tackle some long-standing issues, including the abolition of professional secrecy through the Freedom of Information Act. Part of that – publishing studies commissioned by ministries, states and communities – has already been decided. “Of course, our goal is to complete the remaining parts,” Maurer emphasized. People have the impression that countries and communities are hiding behind each other. Kogler and Constitutional Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) are currently trying to talk to those affected “to talk tachles”. The government has also been in default on the Climate Protection Act for a long time – Maurer was nevertheless confident that it would be decided “in the coming months”.

Maurer left open who should lead the Greens in the next National Council elections. Speculation is neither necessary nor useful. “Werner Kogler is an outstanding party leader, with Leonore Gewessler we have a highly effective climate protection minister who delivers the right answers and very consistent work in these difficult times of crisis.”