Styrian argue: diesel privilege yes or no? Diversity of opinion in the country

Styrian argue: diesel privilege yes or no? Diversity of opinion in the country

A hotly controversial topic is currently being discussed in Styria: the so -called "diesel privilege". This regulation means that diesel fuel is taxed around 8 cents per liter slightly lower than gasoline. While some consider the tax relief to be important to the economy, environmentalists criticize this form of support as subsidization of fossil fuels.

The debate has long since reached the mind of the population. A survey by the renowned opinion research institute OGM, carried out as part of the "Ivote" election aid tool, shows a clear division in the opinion of the Styrians. With around 800,000 registered cars in the region, of which over half of which are operated with diesel, the topic of high relevance is for many households.

Support for the diesel privilege fluctuates strongly

The results show that only about 43 percent of the survey participants support the abolition of the diesel privilege. In Graz, where the connection to public transport is better, 57 percent are even for abolition. In contrast, there are more rural areas in which people tend to advocate maintaining the diesel compensation. This difference is clear: in commuter districts such as Graz environment, Leibnitz and Weiz, the numbers fluctuate between 43 and 46 percent approval.

The rejection of abolition in the Murau district is particularly strong, where only 17 percent of those surveyed are for it. "The Murauer rely on their cars to a large extent," says Johannes Klotz from OGM. This underlines the challenges that rural communities are facing where there is often no good connection to public transport. According to the Austrian spatial planning conference ÖROK, the majority of the residents have access to an appropriate public transport system in no municipality in the district.

dilemma between city and country

Klotz points out that a quick decision could be dangerous in this matter. The tensions between urban and rural interests could continue to increase, especially if an increase in diesel prices further increases the cost of living. This could tighten the already burdened budget for many.

interested citizens are invited to give their opinion on the topic on the "Ivote" election aid tool. At www.ivote.at, participants can express their attitude on around 40 topics and evaluate the importance of these topics for themselves.

These current developments in the context of the discussion about the diesel privilege throw a light on the multi -layered views that have to include both urban and rural perspectives. The opinions about the whereabouts or the abolition of this regulation clearly reflect the different realities of life and challenges with which many people are faced in Styria.