Latest News

Austrian ruling union will limp on after clash over EU nature law

Austria's ruling union of conservatives and Greens flirted with collapse on Monday after a minister went it alone to tip the balance in the European Union in favour of a nature remediation law, but the alliance will limp on.

Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler of the Greens shifted Austria's position at the last minute over the conservatives' objections to cast the nation's vote in favour of the bloc's. flagship policy to bring back broken nature at a meeting of her. counterparts in Luxembourg on Monday.

That incensed Chancellor Karl Nehammer and his conservative. People's Party (OVP), who stated Gewessler was legally needed to. obtain the arrangement of the OVP-run Farming Ministry since. it is instrumental for the concern. The OVP opposes the law.

The Green coalition partner has revealed its true face. On the. one hand it is constantly pontificating. On the other, it is. prepared to put ideology before the constitution and the law,. Nehammer told a news conference in Brussels.

The union partners have actually clashed before on hot-button. issues like immigration, however this case was especially bitter.

The OVP said it would introduce a criminal problem against. Gewessler for abuse of power and bring a legal challenge to the. European Court of Justice looking for the annulment of Monday's. decision. Gewessler argued the law is on her side.

With such flagrant misconduct by a minister belonging to a. coalition partner, the coalition ought to be ended, Nehammer. stated, before including: I will not do that.

The coalition has already called a parliamentary election. for Sept. 29, at the end of the current five-year parliament. While it is not likely that date could have altered, Nehammer stated. he wished to ensure smooth federal government in the months until then.

Greens leader Werner Kogler, who is Austria's vice. chancellor, said he was confident that might take place.

We still have a lot to do. Now is not the time for barbs or. conflicts. It is the time to act, he informed a press conference.

(source: Reuters)