TIROLER TAGESZEITUNG: “At the crossroads – once again”, by Manfred Mitterwachauer

2024-01-11 21:00:33

Edition from Friday, January 12, 2024

Innsbruck (OTS) – A South Tyrolean state government ante portas, which is strengthening the ranks of truck supporters, and a new economic chamber president who is practicing the transport balancing act between the EU Parliament and lobbying: Tyrol is off to a bumpy start to the 2024 transit year.

Anyone who believes that the participation of the Fratelli d’Italia and the Lega in a South Tyrolean state government will change the transit course of these two Italian government parties in Rome compared to Tyrol and Austria by 180 degrees is either a limitless optimist or an ÖVP supporter. Representatives of the Tyrolean Governor’s Party are convinced that the regional supporters of the “Free Travel” faction of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini could make them change their ways and thus give in. Or wanted to. The opposite will be the case. Just as in this country the hope of a change of course in the Chamber of Commerce has burst like a soap bubble.
Barbara Thaler has made a name for herself on the Brussels floor like no other Tyrolean EU representative (EPP) before as a tough and experienced negotiator when it comes to transport. Always with an eye on the Tyrolean transit problem, the reduction of truck traffic on the road and the attractiveness of the rail service. With the assumption of the office of president of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce, Thaler is now taking a different course. And criticizes – on behalf of the chamber – the Tyrolean individual measures. Like the recent weekend truck driving ban. That is understandable. As president, Thaler has to protect the interests of the business association members. Thaler wants to keep the EU mandate until the EU elections in June. A difficult balancing act: fighting for Tyrolean transit concerns in Brussels and lobbying against them in Innsbruck. That can hardly work out. At least not without a loss of credibility.
In 2024, the black-red state government will not only have to face Italy’s transit lawsuit at EU level. At the same time, Tyrol must also push forward the slot system (digital, cross-border traffic management). Will South Tyrol continue to stand by Tyrol here? Inner Tyrol driving bans from the chamber are not new, but they are doubly bitter in the current situation. Transit policy will be at a crossroads in 2024. Once again.