"Gigantic Failure": Greens Criticize the Government Program as They Depart

"I sincerely wish the government all the best," emphasized party leader Werner Kogler at a press conference on Friday. However, they also have "the firm intention to critically accompany the government." They see significant deficiencies, especially in the climate sector and the budgetary measures located there. They intend to contribute constructively to two-thirds matters.

Kogler Welcomes Traffic Light Coalition

Especially in light of what had been threatened in the meantime - namely a blue-black coalition - Kogler welcomed the black-red-pink collaboration. The shift of the ÖVP deserves special recognition. He particularly highlighted the second mandatory kindergarten year, the planned child basic security, and the federal prosecutor's office as the new directive head of the public prosecutors as positive. Also, in the crucial question of how Austria presents itself in Europe, one can now expect a pro-European and open-minded approach. Although the ÖVP had recently gone off track here, with the new Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS), he is confident that the pro-European approach will prevail.

Kogler also welcomes the designated Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ). It is also clear to the Greens that savings must be made. However, there is a risk "that we trample the delicate economic recovery if cuts are made too quickly and too much in the wrong places." Therefore, savings must be made where no harm to the economy occurs. "I am very pleased that we are getting a Finance Minister in Markus Marterbauer who sees it at least as strictly."

Greens See "Gigantic Misperformance"

The government's plans in the climate and environmental sector are naturally viewed critically. It is a "gigantic misperformance" that environmentally harmful subsidies are not being addressed, according to Kogler. And if the climate bonus is permanently abolished, the CO2 tax is a "blatant tax increase."

Outgoing Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler also criticized, for example, that on one hand, the VAT exemption for solar power plants is being abolished, but tax privileges for foreign hauliers are to be maintained. "And a motorway tunnel is being concreted through the national park in the Lobau." In the area of environmental and climate protection, there are only a few good ideas for embellishment in the program. "25 years ago, one might have gotten away with it, but today it is not enough."

Outgoing Justice Minister Alma Zadic also announced a constructive opposition role for the Greens. She is "authentically" pleased about the planned federal prosecutor's office. However, savings should not be made in the judiciary in the future. And the government should also practice what it has written into its program for the future. "What actually prevents them from introducing themselves to parliament in a hearing?"

(APA/Red)

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