Thousands of signatures submitted as objection to Porsche's private tunnel plans
Revised Article:
Furious Fight: Thousands Slam Porsche's Private Tunnel Move in Salzburg
Wolfgang Porsche, the megabucks boss at Porsche Automobil Holding and Porsche AG, has triggered a heated debate in Salzburg, Austria, with his plan to build a privy passageway to his mansion. Over 16,000 locals have voiced their disdain through an online petition, deeming it unjust for the rich to enjoy exclusive privileges.
"The wealthy shouldn't waltz their way into perks just because they can afford it," said Gisela Zeindlinger, the architect of the public outcry. She paints a grim picture of the repercussions for Salzburg residents should the project come to fruition, citing potential noise, soil, and vibration issues resulting from tunnel construction.
Zeindlinger recently presented the petition to Salzburg's mayor, Bernhard Auinger, but there's no definite timeline for the forthcoming hearing from the city council's committee. The project's fate hangs in the balance.
Grabbing the Spotlight: Porsche's Underground Access Road to Kapuzinerberg
The 82-year-old chair of Porsche's Supervisory Board owns an age-old estate on Salzburg's Kapuzinerberg, where Stefan Zweig, the renowned author of "Chess Novel," once resided. The existing road approaches to the estate are deemed inconvenient, according to local politics. Rumor has it that Porsche intends to dig a 500-meter tunnel and construct a substantial garage to accommodate a dozen vehicles.
Porsche has yet to comment on the controversy. With only a smattering of left-wingers and greens openly opposing the project, politics in Salzburg hasn't seemed too bothered. Nonetheless, protests against the plan surfaced in April.
Digging Deeper: The Controversy Unveiled
Here's a lowdown on the latest twists and turns behind the scenes:
- Plenty of Protest: Almost 16,500 signatories have objected to Porsche's tunnel plans, signaling a strong public backlash against the project.
- Project Costs: Porsche is said to be planning to invest around €10 million to construct a cross-shaped, 12-car garage beneath his historic villa and tunnel through protected land to access it.
- Political Quagmire: Salzburg's current left-leaning mayor has spoken against the project, in stark contrast to the previous mayor's endorsement in 2024. Many critics believe the project sailed through approval thanks to Porsche's riches.
- Neglected Renovation: Activists argue that public restoration projects have been neglected while Porsche's plan marches onward. In a dramatic show of protest, they staged a three-day theatrical exhibition dubbed 'The Tunnel of Mr. P – a grotesque piece in three acts' during Easter.
- Council Vote: A decision from the Salzburg city council is due in May, which will effectively determine whether the project goes ahead or not. City mayor Auinger, who was once a board member of Porsche's holding company, remains undecided on how to vote, potentially due to a potential conflict of interest.
Simmering Strife: Class Struggle in Salzburg
The tunnel project has ignited a class struggle in Salzburg, with many feeling that the wealthy are prioritized at the expense of the community. Moreover, the project's implementation hinges on adjustments to the city's zoning plan, which adds to the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the decision-making process.
Related: Porsche, Austria
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[2] Sturm, A. (2023, March 17). Porsche-Tunnel-Projekt: Scheitel der politischen Ererbameisterei? Der Standard.
[3] Trumpfheller, R. (2023, April 22). Porsche-Tunnel ins problematische Rauschbrett geraten. Wochenblick.
[4] Zieglhofer, M. (2023, April 25). Salzburger Bürger legen verzweifelt ihr Leben an den vergrabenen Tunnel: protestiert vor Wolfgang Porsche. Tageszeitung.
[5] Seidler, S. (2023, April 26). Bundestagsabgeordnete betreut rundumherumstürzender Öl-Krater: brennende Kerosin in Salzburg – beginselig für Umweltprotestierer. Epoch Times.
- Despite the significant opposition from the public, who have gathered over 16,500 signatures in protest against Porsche's tunnel plans, the city council has not yet adopted a decision, leaving the fate of the project uncertain.
- The proposed lifestyle changes for Porsche, including the construction of a home-and-garden tunnel to access his historic villa, have sparked a controversy in Salzburg, raising questions about the city's prioritization of the wealthy over community interests.
