Appointed again

Environmental Ombudswoman shows fighting spirit after disempowerment

From now on, nature conservation will play a much smaller role in proceedings

(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

Gishild Schaufler remains State Environmental Ombudswoman. Her drive remains unbroken - despite having significantly less power than before. Svazek sees the reappointment as a "second chance", Schaufler wants to raise awareness of nature conservation in advance.

She has applied for the post, beating 17 competitors, and will be appointed for a further five years: Gishild Schaufler, Salzburg's State Environmental Advocate. In the hearing before the state government - and thus also before her fiercest critic of recent years, Marlene Svazek (FPÖ) - the 43-year-old prevailed.

Svazek says: "The professional qualifications and experience spoke for her. A second term means a second chance and I am assuming that, under changed legal conditions, the focus will once again be more on partnership and consensus and less on blockades."

Gishild Schaufler remains Environmental Advocate.

(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

More talks, less power
The old and new environmental lawyer says: "It is important that all sides are willing to talk." More discussions in advance should enable more environmentally friendly solutions. "Together with my team, I will continue to contribute my expertise in the interests of preserving nature for our children and grandchildren," adds Schaufler.

As reported by the "Krone" newspaper, the new nature conservation law was pushed through by the ÖVP and FPÖ in the state parliament on Wednesday. This takes away some of the rights of the state environmental ombudswoman in proceedings. According to the Salzburg Greens, there is no longer procedural equality between nature and project operators.