Reaction to consultation

Political demands, mourning for referendum

The referendum produced a very narrow result.

(Bild: © EVN / Daniela Matejschek)

Carinthian politicians and the Alpine Association make demands of the provincial government. The Freedom Party is mourning a desired referendum, criticize provincial vice-presidents.

"The result of the referendum co-initiated by Team Kärnten must be noted and accepted as an expression of the will of the citizens," explains Team Kärnten leader Gerhard Köfer and calls on the provincial government to "directly involve the citizens in all further decisions". The Greens welcome the planned non-partisan talks, but Olga Voglauer makes it clear: "Responsibility for the future of Carinthia must not be shifted to the opposition parties and social partners."

Alpine Association wants dialog
Although the Alpine Association will not be part of the planned talks with the state government, Werner Radl, First Chairman of the Carinthian Alpine Association, explains: "We are ready to engage in an open dialog with politics and business in order to reconcile climate protection and nature conservation." Secretary General Clemens Matt emphasizes: "Our position remains clear: we are not against wind power per se, but are in favour of its locations being chosen carefully in order to protect sensitive natural areas."

Criticism of Gruber's call for "objectivity"
The Freedom Party prefers to look back and mourn a referendum. "Such a referendum would also have been binding for politicians with a lack of insight, in contrast to the referendum," explains FP leader Erwin Angerer. However, as this requires a specific legislative resolution and an absolute majority in parliament, this is unlikely to happen any time soon. Angerer is critical of an appeal by state vice-chairman Gruber: "Those who are now calling for objectivity and accusing the other side of fake news should do some soul-searching."