TIROLER TAGESZEITUNG, leading article: "Not everything that pecks lasts", by Manfred Mitterwachauer

2023-06-15 20:00:31

Issued Friday, June 16, 2023

Innsbruck (OTS) – Solidarity or betrayal? The Dreierlandtag in Riva just avoided a scandal at the problem bear Transit with hanging and choking. Despite the compromise, it is clearer than ever: Brenner is currently dividing more than it connects.

The last generation knows no compromises. The road users on the Brenner autobahn felt this for a short time yesterday. Of course, commuters, professional drivers and holidaymakers can only smile wearily at the mini traffic jams caused in this way. Traffic chaos is the rule on the north-south axis, not the exception. You don’t need any air-conditioning adhesive for that.
220 kilometers south in Riva, Tyrol, South Tyrol and Trentino struggled to reach a compromise in terms of traffic almost simultaneously in the three-party state parliament that ended yesterday. Just to keep the external image of a common Euregion brushed towards harmony alive. For days, a cross-party lead proposal submitted by Tyrol was doctored. Out of fear of a parliamentary exchange of blows between the regions on the open stage. For fear of rejection of this leading motion on traffic, the number one problem child. At least for South Tyrol and Tyrol. It would have been an uproar. And so each emotive word was broken down into its individual parts, reformulated or eliminated. Until in the end a majority-capable text was found. The people along the Brenner Corridor, who are suffering because they are constantly confronted with noise, exhaust fumes and traffic jams, have had enough of such games for a long time. She finally wants to see relief measures implemented.
The Dreierlandtag has once again revealed that Brenner is currently driving the division of the three regions more than he is able to play his historically connecting, symbolic role. None of the three state parliaments want to be botched up by the others on their sovereign territory. In this country, the truck driving ban catalog is defended. However, South Tyrol does not want to be told where and how to take action against new alternative transit routes (Brixen-Lienz). And the Trentino provincial tour hums the traffic song that is whispered into their ears from Rome for long stretches.
Solidarity or betrayal? The leading motion for transport, which was finally approved by the three-party state parliament yesterday with a large majority, offers plenty of room for free interpretation. Ultimately, he is both at the same time. The Euregio is committed to individual solutions. Non-binding, without time and plan. Just like she’s always done. Fine words – too much for some, too little for others – followed by little action.
Euregio resolutions and climate glue have one thing in common: not everything that pecks has to last.