Gewessler admits 'mistakes' in climate and asylum policy

Austrian Green Party leader and Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler admitted to "mistakes" in the government's climate and asylum policies during a televised interview on ORF's "Sommergespräch." Facing moderator Simone Stribl, Gewessler acknowledged the severe impact of the ongoing heatwaves, which have caused an estimated one billion euros in agricultural damage, according to the Austrian Hail Insurance. She highlighted the growing concern over water scarcity in Austria, a country historically not known for such issues.

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All these people rightly expected the federal government to finally do something for heat and climate protection. From her point of view, however: in vain.

Gewessler used the interview to connect with ordinary citizens, referencing conversations with construction workers, "Würstelstand" vendors, and elderly individuals struggling with the heat. She asserted that these people rightly expect the federal government to act on heat and climate protection, implying that current efforts have been insufficient. She advocated for compensation payments to farmers affected by the drought.

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Obviously, Herbert Kickl doesn't care about the construction workers, because when the problems are big, the polls are high.

When pressed on her own responsibility for the controversial nature of climate policy, Gewessler deflected criticism towards the opposition FPÖ, accusing party leader Herbert Kickl of indifference towards construction workers and using high unemployment figures to boost his party's poll numbers. She positioned herself as an alternative for those suffering from the heat, stating, "It can be done better."

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It can be done better.

Regarding land consumption, Gewessler initially placed blame on Vienna's SPÖ party official Peter Hanke for reviving "senseless" highway projects and on regional governments, which she characterized as "concrete-layers and blockers." She reiterated her stance that spatial planning, currently not a federal matter, needs to change. Gewessler also called for a national water withdrawal register, emphasizing that drinking water supply must take precedence and urging Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig to take action.

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The "concrete-layers and blockers."