"Schnöll counted out"

S-Link: How politicians are reacting to the vote

This is what Alpenstrasse should look like in the future - if the S-Link really does run there one day

(Bild: S-Link)

The referendum on the "Salzburg Mobility Solution" and its centerpiece S-Link has been defeated - the majority of Salzburg residents are against the billion-euro project. This is how Salzburg's leading politicians react to the results. . . 

"Should the state of Salzburg work towards implementing the extension of the local railroad to Hallein (S-Link) as part of a mobility solution that also includes a Stiegl and a trade fair/airport railroad in the interests of traffic relief?" Around 250,000 Salzburg residents were able to decide this question today. The majority of them voted "no". 

Provincial government accepts the vote
But how are Salzburg's politicians reacting to the results? Governor Wilfried Haslauer (ÖVP) - an ardent supporter of the project - told the "Krone" newspaper: "You could now say that the result is not binding. But that would not really stand up to sustainability in political reality." 

Regional Transport Councillor Stefan Schnöll (ÖVP) said that the result "should be accepted". He continues to stand by the S-Link, but: "I have nothing against public consultations, but we have seen how difficult it is to communicate complex issues to the public." 

"Stefan Schnöll is counted out"
Still SPD leader David Egger said: "With the slap in the face that Stefan Schnöll received today in the referendum on the S-Link in Flachgau, the city of Salzburg and Tennengau, Haslauer's ÖVP crown prince is well and truly counted out." Because: "The people don't want a tunnel costing several billion euros." 

Green Party leader Martina Berthold went on record: "The many positive results in the countryside show that People want new and better mobility solutions. Now is the time for all parties to show their colors. We need more space for people instead of cars, public transport instead of traffic jams and clean air instead of exhaust fumes and noise."

City politicians promise "Plan B"
Salzburg's mayor Bernhard Auinger (SPÖ) was relieved: "When I think of my budget, there are actually only winners." He promised: "We will now work out a plan B together as a city government." 
Deputy Mayor Kay-Michael Dankl (KPÖ) struck a similar note: "The no to the S-Link is a yes to the city politicians to take all other measures to find a traffic solution."

Councillor Anna Schiester (Greens) was disappointed, because: "The project would have been a good one, I am convinced of that." Florian Kreibich from the ÖVP stated: "I am glad that the dispute has come to an end. It is very important that the polarization comes to an end."