The first round of non-partisan talks on wind energy in Carinthia was marked by calls for objectivity and commitments to take the referendum results seriously. There should be no legal chance of a general total ban.
“We take the concerns of both parties seriously. It is about the protection of the alpine meadows, but also about the security of the state’s energy supply,” explained State Vice President Martin Gruber (VP) in the hall of mirrors of the office of the Carinthian state government.
State Councilor Sebastian Schuschnig (VP) also emphasized how central legal issues are: “We have nothing to gain from raising an issue that the Constitutional Court then overturns. We need a plan that can be used on both sides.” Gruber and Schuschnig have invited all state parliamentary parties and social partners to the discussions.
Josef Ofner took part for the Carinthian FPÖ: “I’m probably the only one who is happy with the result.” He makes it clear: “The voice of the people must be taken into account, it must not be ignored.” About a ban, he says: “Our hand is being extended to write this down in the constitution.”
Lawyers have objections
There was bad news for this project from the head of the Constitutional Service, Edmund Primosch: “Any state law must take into account the interests of the federal government and the requirements of the EU. Legally speaking, a total ban is not possible.” According to Primosch, enshrining it in the constitution makes no difference. The participating lawyers also point out that “ongoing proceedings cannot be stopped”.
Gerhard Klocker, Team Carinthia, is pragmatic: “It’s about a healthy energy mix.” For SP club chairman Herwig Seiser, more transparency is the order of the day: “It would be interesting to see what the extra 32 wind turbines will yield. VP club president Markus Malle emphasizes: “The winner must be the people of Carinthia.”
The social partners support the employees and the energy mix. “I don’t think fundamental bans are good,” says Rene Willegger (ÖGB). “We have the opportunity to become self-sufficient in energy,” emphasizes IV Vice Michael Velmeden on the employer side.
Source: Krone
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