Arrival and departure

FPÖ criticism of “cab ride” for Minister Gewessler

Minister Gewessler was a guest in Schlaining, the arrival and departure is now causing criticism from the Freedom Party.

(Bild: Jöchl Martin/Martin Jöchl)

Burgenland's Freedom Party demands clarification about the arrival and departure at the Austrian Forum for Peace in Schlaining.

Around 400 national and international guests from 40 countries came to the Austrian Forum for Peace at Friedensburg Schlaining last week to discuss the growing impact of the climate crisis on conflicts. Former Federal President Heinz Fischer and Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) were among the many high-profile participants.

Written question
However, Gewessler's arrival and departure are now being criticized by the Burgenland FPÖ. According to FPÖ party leader Alexander Petschnig, the minister is said to have been driven to and later picked up in a "highly secret" official car from the Burgenland vehicle fleet. It is unacceptable that this "cab service" is subsidized with Burgenland taxpayers' money, according to the Freedom Party member, who now intends to submit a written question on the subject.

No own company car
Gewessler's office merely pointed out that a shuttle had been provided by the organizer. This offer had been accepted. According to a spokesperson, the Minister herself does not have her own official car and tries to use public transport for all journeys wherever possible.

State supported event
The province also reacted calmly to the criticism from the Freedom Party: "The province of Burgenland supported the event, as is customary, with a pick-up service to the venue, among other things, which could be used by speakers and was also used by Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler."