The ÖVP answers the questions of the Carinthian homeland service

Which measures are most urgent for your party in the next legislative period of the Carinthian state parliament, to ensure the well-being of the country and its citizens?
ÖVP: The last few years with their crises have shown that, what makes our homeland strong: Regionality is our safety net in difficult times - from food supply to energy to local infrastructure. That's why I want to push the regionality offensive further. With the new Carinthian regional development law - it is the first of its kind in Carinthia - I have created the opportunity, that regions can invest even more in their future, by implementing projects. And that regardless of political majorities or budget negotiations, then: the financial endowment of the regions is also included 4,5 million euros per year anchored in law. This means that measures from the region can be implemented for the region after a work program has been submitted. It will apply in the upcoming legislative period, to fill this law with life sustainably and in all areas.

In the area of ​​protection of the natural landscape, the environment and the climate?
ÖVP: It's our farmers, care for and preserve the landscape of Carinthia. They deserve the appreciation for this and also the corresponding compensation for their services. In addition to adequate budgeting for agricultural policy, it is also important, that the people of Carinthia buy local quality. That is what secures the income of the farmers and thus also the preservation of our landscape. In the coming legislative period, we must take a big step forward on the climate issue. When it comes to renewable energies, there must be no more categorical rejection - neither from the responsible officer nor from citizens' initiatives. If we want to make our contribution, we have to invest massively in the expansion – above all in the water- and the power of the sun. The ÖVP has over in the expiring period 20 Motions tabled in Parliament. We will insist, that we ignite the expansion turbo for regional energy supply. This enables us to achieve our climate goals and at the same time make us less dependent on expensive energy imports.

In the field of social justice and the preservation of prosperity?
ÖVP: To counteract the crises and inflation, Both the federal and state governments have released enormous sums in the last three years, to guide the population through the difficult time. Furthermore applies, that the public sector should help them, hardest hit by the crises and who really need help. In a society based on solidarity, we must not leave anyone behind. At the same time, it is also part of maintaining prosperity, that Carinthia - and also Austria - returns to a stable budget path, so as not to leave our children and grandchildren with an unmanageable mountain of debt. It also applies to that, to strengthen personal responsibility and independence of people and to appreciate performance more again.

In the area of ​​maintaining and strengthening the business location?
ÖVP: The biggest challenge for Carinthia as a business location in the coming years will be population growth. Companies are already desperately looking for sufficient
employees. According to the forecast, in a few years we will be missing over 35.000 People of working age – we have to take massive action against this. That is why we must continue to invest in the regions, to keep her attractive, both as life- as well as a business location. Only if our committed entrepreneurs find enough workers, Carinthia will continue to be a strong business location. In the same way, we must let our entrepreneurs work. This requires a further reduction in bureaucracy and faster approval procedures. The public sector must enable entrepreneurship.

In the field of education and job security?
ÖVP: Carinthia is said to be a top location for school, Manual and also digital competence apply. Above all, it must be a goal, Young people and also people who are switching or returning to work are better off in future fields, for example in gender studies- and further education - from STEM subjects to care and green jobs. For a comprehensive offer, both the promotion of teaching with or after the Matura and the increased cooperation of research institutions are needed, educational institutions and companies. We have to take care of that, that entrepreneurs in Carinthia find and train those workers, that they need for their businesses - then Carinthia's economy is strong, and more future-oriented companies will settle and jobs will be secured.

What attitude does your party take towards the Carinthian homeland- and traditional associations, who feel committed to maintaining national patriotism and the traditions of defensive struggles and referendums?
ÖVP: The Carinthian People's Party has always felt committed to its homeland identity and tradition and will continue to do so, because future needs a origin. To uphold the culture of remembrance and the homeland- and to promote traditional associations, is important, to ensure a positive future in the now, by learning from it, what was.

How do you rate the joint commemoration for all victims of war, Dictatorship and violence on Carinthian soil?
ÖVP: When we speak of victims, we always think of people, who stood up for their beliefs. Their dignity must also be preserved in the Christian tradition. You always have to look at what happened in the context of time, to be able to draw conclusions and lessons from it.

What is your understanding?- and reconciliation work of the home associations in relation to the Carinthian minority issue and ethnic group politics?
ÖVP: The consensus group has brought about a breakthrough in reconciliation. All those involved deserve respect and recognition. To move forward, you always have to approach each other in a conflict. The members of the consensus group and everyone, the understanding in the clubs and associations- and do reconciliation work, serve as an impressive example.

What measures do you want to take to preserve the historically grown Carinthian identity, an indispensable part of which is also the Slovene language and culture?
ÖVP: I want to keep protecting, what makes Carinthia special - this also includes the Carinthian identity with all its facets. Last but not least, there are the clubs and associations, who preserve this identity and also view it on various occasions throughout the year- and make it tangible. This awareness should be part of everyday life in Carinthia. That's why I think it's essential, that people, who come to us from other countries, experience and respect this Carinthian culture and identity.

What measures do you intend to take in the future to maintain and strengthen the Alps-Adriatic Peace Region??
ÖVP: The preservation of the regional identity and the strengthening of intra-European cooperation - especially in our Alps-Adriatic region - must go hand in hand. The entire region is to be strengthened through consistent exchange and contact maintenance as well as the implementation of Interreg projects and other supra-regional initiatives.

Which projects would you initiate in the sense of "senza confini" in the coming years??
ÖVP: We have made sure of this with cross-border tourism projects and the customs corridor, that the Alps-Adriatic regions are getting even closer. This needs to be developed further. The Koralmbahn also shows, how much the Alps-Adriatic region has grown together, and will continue to grow together. The chance, that arise, as soon as it is operational, we have to use it consistently. and: Until it is ready, it counts, to design projects, who exploit the potential of the Koralmbahn and other cross-border projects - from business and infrastructure to regional projects and culture.

What possibilities do you see with regard to the shutdown or safeguarding of the Krsko nuclear power plant?
ÖVP: That just recently extended the life of the nuclear power plant in Krsko by more 20 years was extended, is incomprehensible and also not easy to accept. Then: Even if the systems have been renovated, nobody can reduce the risk of earthquakes in this region. That is why we as the ÖVP will continue to use every opportunity, to take a decisive stand against the nuclear power plant. We won't get tired, to point out the dangers – and also to them, that only renewable energies can be the future, both for energy supply and for climate protection. Especially in the energy transition, Carinthia should be a pioneer and set a good example.

How do you feel about the dialogue between former opponents of the political and military conflicts of the 20. century?
ÖVP: Dialogue and diplomacy is always that approach, the conflict ended. That is why it must always be welcomed, what is peace-keeping and peace-making. Dialogue is the means of choice.

What possibilities do you see, to obtain ethnic group rights for the old Austrian residual ethnic group with German mother tongue in Slovenia?
ÖVP: The state of Carinthia and the Republic of Austria must use every diplomatic opportunity, to address and improve the situation and ethnic group rights of the old Austrians. At the same time, local cultural activities should be better supported and promoted from Carinthia.