Outrage in Innsbruck

Greens profiting from the clear-cutting of the city forest

A clear-cutting in the city forest on the Hungerburg in Innsbruck causes a political quake.(Bild: zVg)

The number one topic of conversation not only in Innsbruck is the clear-cutting of the Hungerburg, including the construction of a path for a new house, uncovered by the "Krone" newspaper. It was the fault of the very party that is committed to nature conservation. After the clearing, the new owner, Green Party member Janine Bex, has an unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains and the provincial capital, as if from a mountain pasture. 

The owner and therefore beneficiary of the controversial deal is local councillor Janine Bex, now number two behind Mayor Georg Willi. As mayor, he is responsible for urban planning. The case is stirring up Innsbruck politics ahead of the election. The "Krone" asked the former head of the Green Party to comment on the events at Hungerburg.