Assinger shows middle finger: Heated debate about Breitenfurt construction project

Assinger shows middle finger: Heated debate about Breitenfurt construction project

In the Lower Austrian municipality of Breitenfurt, heated arguments broke out on Monday evening at an information event about a controversial real estate project. The ORF presenter Armin Assinger, who moderated the event, caused a stir with a provocative gesture: he showed the audience the middle finger. This happened after a spectator questioned his neutrality and another visitor provoked him. Assinger later defended his action by explaining that he was simply re-enacting a previous gesture that was directed at him exxpress.at reported.

The planned construction project envisages the construction of 310 apartments and a primary care center on a former green area, which is highly controversial among the population. Many residents are concerned about the loss of their natural views and feel excluded from the decision-making process. Mayor Wolfgang Schredl is behind the project, while resistance among the population is growing. The event, originally intended to provide clarity and address concerns, only created further tension. These developments could have an impact on the referendum on the rezoning next Sunday, in which the citizens of Breitenfurt will decide how the project should be done meinkreis.at reported.

The reactions to Assinger's behavior were not long in coming. The citizens' initiative "Future Breitenfurt - we'll have a say" accused him of partisan moderation and hostility. Gabriele Rass-Hubinek from the Greens also criticized his unprofessional attitude. The ORF distanced itself from the event and emphasized that Assinger's appearance was not connected to his commitment to the station. These incidents have further hardened the already tense fronts between supporters and opponents of the project.