The restriction of traffic at the Schattendorf border by the new pedestrian zone continues to give rise to a dispute between the community and ombudsman Gaby Schwarz. But the Hungarian Ombudsman and the European Commission are now also dealing with the case.
The tug-of-war between the municipality of Schattendorf and Ombudsman Gaby Schwarz over the new traffic regulation at the border with Hungary is entering the next round. As reported, the municipality took traffic-calming measures in the spring due to the heavy cross-border commuter traffic – in the form of a pedestrian zone. These can be driven for a “toll charge”, which the local population largely recovers in the form of shopping vouchers.
Violation of EU law?
The Board of the Ombudsman is now investigating whether there is any question of unequal treatment: “According to what criteria will the reimbursement be made? We haven’t figured that out yet,” says Schwarz. She has also contacted the European Commission, which is now seeking more information. There will also be a meeting with Hungarian counterpart Ákos Kozma. It must be examined whether the regulation entails unequal treatment. Kozma locates the violation of fundamental rights of Hungarian citizens in the EU.
“Unbeatable in Bizarreness”
The SPÖ in Burgenland responded by shaking its head. The Ombudsman is clearly acting against the interests of the Austrian people, says SPÖ regional director Roland Fürst. “It cannot be surpassed in terms of bizarreness and it is clear what the former secretary-general of the ÖVP really stands for,” said Fürst.
Invitation to the Ombudsman
Mayor Thomas Hoffmann (SPÖ) also pointed out that the Ombudsman had no competence in this matter. It is very unfortunate that the community did not invite anyone to this meeting. “We don’t block borders, we don’t earn basket money, because it’s a legally required charge, which we refund as much as possible in the form of a shopping voucher,” explains Hoffmann. He cordially invites Schwarz and Kozman to take a look at the case on site: “If you see us in Schattendorf, I would like to invite you for coffee and cake.”
Source: Krone
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