Leonore Gewessler discusses climate and budget in ORF interview

Leonore Gewessler, leader of the Austrian Green Party, participated in the ORF summer interview series, addressing key political issues including climate change, migration, and the national budget.

During the interview, Gewessler emphasized that climate protection is the best defense against heatwaves. She criticized other parties for insufficient action and proposed fiscal measures such as abolishing diesel privileges, halting new road projects, and implementing fairer taxation for the super-rich to address the budget deficit. On migration, she called for a balance of humanity and order, while also noting that the Greens would support surveillance measures against suspected terrorists to protect liberal democracy.

Following the broadcast, Green Party Deputy Federal Spokesperson Stefan Kaineder praised Gewessler’s performance, stating her empathetic approach demonstrated that the party remains an alternative to the FPÖ and ÖVP. However, some commentary noted that the interview did not confront Gewessler regarding previous social media posts where the party had shared inaccurate heatwave forecasts, specifically a claim regarding 43-degree temperatures in early August.