Discussion on Lobau Tunnel during "Urgent Inquiry" in the National Council
In an "urgent inquiry" in the National Council, former Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) spoke out against the project: "This is a billion-dollar grave from the last millennium, for which Austrians will pay a bitter price." Her successor Peter Hanke (SPÖ) remains undecided regarding the implementation.
Lobau Tunnel: Gewessler urges Hanke to rethink
Gewessler "decisively" opposed the construction, which would go right through a national park: "If this tunnel is built, the future will be buried in concrete," warned the Green representative. She reminded that the Vienna SPÖ, from which Hanke hails, has been pushing for implementation for years: "Dear Minister Hanke, in this great new task, you too must urgently rethink." The construction of the tunnel would disrupt the ecosystem and the noise situation would also deteriorate dramatically. Finally, road construction does not fit with the government's commitment to soil protection. The Transport Minister noted in his reply that the "urgent inquiry" was mainly due to the Vienna election campaign. At the same time, he expressed a commitment to the coexistence of different modes of transport. It is possible to link the expansion of the relevant infrastructure together.
Transport Minister Hanke relies on time for Lobau Tunnel
Hanke downplayed Gewessler's statements that traffic numbers on the Southeast Tangent, which the new road is supposed to relieve, have decreased. There have been extraordinary declines in the Corona numbers. Since then, traffic has been on the rise again. His priority now is to bring clarity and calm to the discussion. He wants to exchange views with stakeholders in the coming months and have the current status factually prepared. In this way, he wants to create his own picture, far from any polarization. Because the project will also affect future generations. It is essential to take some time for this.
FPÖ announces ministerial complaint against Gewessler
The other parties also found little use for the Greens' inquiry. Dominik Oberhofer (NEOS) emphasized that there should be an evidence-based decision, which is why the project will be examined in detail again. With a resolution motion, the governing parties also called for the prompt review of ASFINAG's new construction projects that have not yet been approved, among others, for economic efficiency and sustainability. The Greens' inquiry was due to the Vienna election campaign, said FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker, SPÖ and Greens would therefore "match" in the National Council.
The FPÖ is filing a ministerial complaint against Gewessler, Hafenecker announced. She has caused economic damage with her "no" to the Lobau Tunnel and other infrastructure projects. He appealed to the ÖVP and SPÖ to agree. However, Hafenecker also accused Hanke of having thrown the Lobau Tunnel project overboard, "You just don't dare to say it." Hafenecker did not accept the criticism from Lukas Hammer (Greens) that during the current tense budget situation, savings should not be made on highways. Highways are user-financed, Hafenecker said, as did ÖVP representative Andreas Ottenschläger. It is not about the budget and tax money, the latter insisted, also identifying "show politics."
(APA/Red)
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