TIROLER TAGESZEITUNG, editorial: “Ultimately overshooting”, by Michael Sprenger

Issue from Tuesday, December 5th, 2023

Innsbruck (OTS) – The activism of the “last generation” can be criticized; it is for drivers who are stuck in traffic jams,
annoying and much more. But labeling them as a criminal organization is unworthy of a democracy.

They want to wake people up. With their activism, they annoy people everywhere and annoy those drivers who are stuck in traffic jams. But the members of the “Last Generation” are not deterred by this. They keep getting stuck on roads. Again and again, more and more often.

And why do they resort to such methods? Because they believe and are convinced that a mere signature campaign cannot bring about a change in thinking. The mostly young activists do not want to be fobbed off with political Sunday speeches. You can also rely on the expertise of numerous well-known scientists who continually inform us about the future that awaits future generations on the planet. Climate change is progressing unstoppably. Not even we, who are angry about the street actions, deny man-made climate change. At least a large part of the population. The 1.5 degree target once announced in Paris will probably not be achieved.

Nevertheless, nothing or very little happens. Yes, something is already happening. Tougher measures are now being taken against the annoying climate glue who do not want to give up their non-violent resistance. The Vienna public prosecutor’s office is now investigating members of the climate protection group on suspicion of forming a criminal organization. And the Chancellor’s party, from Karl Nehammer downwards, is pleased. You have to keep this in mind: the state security agency explained to us in October that the members of the “Last Generation” in Austria were “clearly not extremist,” and now individual members are being investigated because of the “mafia paragraph.”

Is it really wise to use criminal law to target climate activists? Of course, it is up to the judiciary, not the Federal Chancellor, nor even a scientist, to decide whether or not members of the “Last Generation” are actually charged under this said Paragraph 278 of the Criminal Code. And it’s true: you don’t have to approve of activism. But applying criminal law here could turn out to be a historical mistake.

Entering into dialogue with climate protectors and discussing their demands would be the task of decent politics. Labeling them as “chaotics”, as the ÖVP and FPÖ are currently doing, and cheering on the judiciary for their actions is unworthy. And political activism.

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