Mob Resistance Against Porsche's Private Tunnel: 16,000 Sign Petition in Salzburg
Thousands of Signatures Submitted Protesting Porsche's Private Tunnels
In a surprising turn of events, the townsfolk of Salzburg, Austria, have united to challenge a private tunnel construction project. The proposed secret channel is intended for Wolfgang Porsche, a well-known tycoon, to ease his commute to his estate on the Kapuzinerberg. With over 16,000 signatures opposing the plan, the movement gathers momentum. Suggestions of special privileges for the rich and the potential impact on the city have fueled the fiery debate.
Gisela Zeindlinger, the crusader behind the online uproar, plainly states, "It's all about the super-rich receiving undeserved perks due to their wealth." The opponents argue that the project would cause nuisances like noise, dirt, and construction vibrations. Zeindlinger already presented the petition to Salzburg's mayor, Bernhard Auinger, but the responsible committee is yet to give the green light to the much-disputed project.
The blessing of the majority of politicians in Salzburg seems elusive for Wolfgang Porsche. According to city officials, the ambitious entrepreneur aims to create around a half-kilometer-long underground access path and a large garage to accommodate his luxurious car collection. However, the city council thus far has not shown significant support for the project, with only a few communists and greens publicly expressing dissent.
The 82-year-old Porsche Automobil Holding and Porsche AG supervisory board chairman is unquestionably wealthy, as he possesses a historic Mun confiscated by French soldiers from Cardinal-Archbishop Count Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. The estate, once home to famous writer Stefan Zweig, is the crux of the discourse. The above-ground path currently accessing the villa is deemed impractical, it seems.
Porsche remains tight-lipped regarding the controversy, but Salzburg council sources report a lack of significant political opposition. Critics argue that the tunnel could cost up to €10 million ($11.3 million), and a zoning change will be essential for the project, which requires approval from the city council. The future of the tunnel hangs in the balance as the city council prepares to make a decision.
[1] ntv.de, rog/dpa - Current Status of Porsche's Tunnel Project[2] allgemein.at - Porsche's Private Tunnel Sparks Opposition in Salzburg[3] kronen Zeitung - Citizen's Protest Against Porsche's Tunnel in Salzburg intensifies[4] salzburger Nachrichten - Green Party Opposes Porsche's Private Tunnel Project in Salzburg
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision regarding the potential impact of Wolfgang Porsche's home-and-garden lifestyle, including his luxurious car collection, on the cityscape, due to the ongoing public opposition and debates. Gisela Zeindlinger, a vocal opponent, argues that the project represents special privileges for the rich that could alter the city's lifestyle.
