Coalition disagrees on the issue of “predators”.
politics
Since Thursday morning, internal coalition talks between the ÖVP and the Greens have been going on in Salzburg about how to deal with explosive issues related to wild animals. Wolves, otters, cormorants, crows and other problem areas are discussed. The governing parties are very far apart.
For example, there is a ready-made ordinance that officially provides for the “removal” of 19 otters, as it is called in official German. It is argued that there are now too many otters and that these would massively endanger the stocks of native fish.
Greens prevent regulation with veto
The ordinance has not yet been enacted because it failed due to the veto of the Greens. Their club chairwoman Kimbie Humer-Vogl says that the regulation should be viewed critically: “We have strong legal and technical concerns.”
If the Greens have their way, the “more lenient means” – such as fencing off fish farms – have not been used sufficiently. In addition, the so-called Arhus Convention was not fulfilled with the regulation. Animal and nature conservation organizations would not have had the statutory say.
Wolves continue as a topic of controversy
The Greens also see the same problems with the shooting ordinance for “problem wolves”, which was first issued in Salzburg last year. The politician says that EU infringement proceedings have been initiated in Salzburg and Carinthia on this subject: “This is to be viewed very critically. We can’t really go here.”
So this year – in contrast to last year – the Greens will probably no longer agree to such a regulation. Political observers doubt that the ÖVP and the Greens will find a common solution given the widely differing positions.
Prime Minister refers to Internes
Governor Wilfried Haslauer (ÖVP) will not comment on the talks in advance. First of all, it is an internal vote by the government.