Farmers face selling cows amid drought, criticize government inaction

Farmers in Austria are grappling with a devastating drought, facing potential losses exceeding one billion euros. The situation is so dire that some are contemplating selling off their cattle, according to Stefan Kaineder, a Green Party official from Upper Austria. He described the grim reality for farming families, who are forced to discuss which cows must be sold while the government appears to be stalling on providing aid.

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While the government stopped negotiating on Friday, farming families in Upper Austria are sitting at the family table discussing which cows they have to sell.

Kaineder voiced strong criticism towards the ÖVP agricultural minister, Norbert Totschnig, accusing him of lacking concrete solutions and appearing out of touch with the farmers' struggles. He questioned the minister's and other officials' calculations from "air-conditioned offices" about the cost of aid, suggesting a disconnect from the harsh realities faced by those in the agricultural sector.

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The agricultural minister has been in front of the cameras for a few days and still has no solution. Not only I, but above all the farmers, lack understanding for this.

Beyond the agricultural crisis, Kaineder also addressed concerns surrounding a proposed Google data center in Kronsdorf, Upper Austria. He characterized the project as exceeding "all limits" and expressed particular frustration with the perceived "secrecy" surrounding it. The politician implied that the ruling parties, ÖVP and FPÖ, were not adequately addressing these issues, offering only superficial gestures like a groundbreaking ceremony without substantive action.

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It is a bit out of touch with reality when the minister and also (Fiscal Council head) Christoph Badelt calculate from air-conditioned offices that this will all cost too much money.