Carinthia Unofficial

Lobbying for the tunnel solution on the Plöcken Pass

National Councillor Ragger, Ambassador Pugliese and Angerer talked about a solution for the Plöckenpass.(Bild: zVg)

The Freedom Party wants to breathe new life into an age-old plan. And Team Carinthia criticizes Gaby Schaunig.

Plans for a tunnel through the Plöcken Pass have been gathering dust in drawers for a good 60 years. After the rockslide on the Italian side, the Carinthian Freedom Party is rekindling this plan. "We are advocating a long-term solution in the form of a tunnel solution - in addition to the already fixed short-term restoration of the road," says FP leader Erwin Angerer.

Intervention with the Italian ambassador
For this reason, the Freedom Party member and National Councillor Christian Ragger went to the Italian embassy in Vienna to lobby for this project. The two Carinthians intervened with Ambassador Giovanni Pugliese in favor of the tunnel solution. And the Italian assured the liberal duo of his support.

However, it is not only the Italians who are to be won over to the 3.5-kilometre crest tunnel between Albergo and Kreuztratte, but also the Carinthian state parliament. The Blue Party is planning a cross-party resolution for the next parliamentary session next Thursday. However, it is questionable whether the Freedom Party will receive support for this.

Köfer criticizes Schaunig
While the Blue Party is working on its resolution, Team Kärnten is criticizing housing officer Gaby Schaunig (SP). As reported, she wants to develop a Carinthian model for the vacancy tax. "You have to take many factors into account. In rural areas in particular, many people are finding it difficult to rent apartments due to emigration and the difficult economic situation. The building fabric also plays a role," says TK boss Gerhard Köfer.