Austrian World Summit

Gewessler on going it alone: “Compliant like Karner”

(Bild: krone.tv)

The eighth Austrian World Summit took place in Vienna's Hofburg Palace on Thursday. The international climate conference was opened by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler and Finance Minister Magnus Brunner also took part in the climate conference. 

Gewessler took the opportunity to once again justify her decision to approve the EU renaturation law: "It was clear that I could approve the law in accordance with the law, but I am not only acting in accordance with the law, but also with a long tradition. Like Interior Minister Gerhard Karner during the Schengen blockade, I acted according to the same legal principles."

Not provided for in the budget
Finance Minister Magnus Brunner was critical of Gewessler's unilateral action, as the EU law was not included in the state budget. "It looks good at first glance. But not everything that appears popular stands up to closer scrutiny. My job as Finance Minister is to ensure that such measures are thoroughly thought through," said Brunner.

Away from the hustle and bustle surrounding the Austrian World Summit, "Arnie" was also a guest at the Federal Chancellery. In addition to "bilateral relations between the USA and Austria", there was a "strong handshake as a sign of friendship" with Karl Nehammer. According to the Chancellor, it was "impressive" what Schwarzenegger had achieved.