Gasquellen
Another issue that is progressing too slowly is the diversification of gas sources. Here the government should “show leadership and promote projects through legislative decisions,” says Meinl-Reisinger. For example, gas should be purchased from Norwegian gas sources. Meinl-Reisinger also wants to make better use of alternative domestic energy sources. In the case of wind and solar power, the Netherlands had submitted. Sufficient operators, funds and know-how are also available in Austria – but there is a lack of space that the federal government has to make available. “I expect more speed,” says the Neos chair.
When asked about the often difficult trade-offs between environmental protection interests and energy production, Meinl-Reisinger says: “We no longer have the time.” Solutions are needed now, winter is coming: “The government is not aware of the seriousness of the situation.”
Pensions and Tyrol
Meinl-Reisinger wants to “closely examine” the proposal for the planned pension increase, because it does not correspond to what the pension representatives had demanded.
Finally, when asked about the result of the Tyrolean state elections, in which the Neos were able to increase slightly at a low level, but were only able to retain 40 percent of their old voters, Meinl-Reisinger is satisfied: “It’s a strong result.”