Only eleven percent of the population consider the federal government’s anti-inflation package to be sufficient to cushion rising inflation. According to a Gallup survey, the government is also not doing well when it comes to energy supply. Only 17 percent believe the government is doing enough to ensure electricity and gas supplies.
Oil and gas yes. nuclear power no
Concerns about energy shortages brought about an acceptance of previously ecologically controversial energy sources. While in April 27 percent of Austrians were in favor of energy from coal-fired power plants, 39 percent are now in favour. The majority (61 percent) agree to reactivate the Mellach coal-fired power plant. 72 percent are in favor of increased production of domestic oil and gas. Nuclear power plants are still rejected by the majority of the population (76 percent), while renewable energy sources continue to enjoy a high level of approval at 92 percent. If you ask to what extent energy independence can go at the expense of climate protection, the population is divided. 43 percent currently prioritize energy independence and 45 percent climate protection.
Acceptance of sanctions against Russia is declining
The explosion in energy prices is causing economic measures against Russia to be questioned. Public approval of the international sanctions fell from 71 percent at the beginning of the war to 60 percent today. While at the end of February 56 percent said that Austria should support this, even if energy prices rise as a result, only 43 percent can get used to it at the moment.
“In addition to inflation, there is now also the fear of a cold winter. For many people, the supply of heat is more important than the question of where it comes from. When it comes to climate, people are forced to turn a blind eye at the moment environmentally harmful energy alternatives are only used temporarily to bridge the emergency. A little more than half of the population assumes that the war will accelerate the switch to renewable energy sources,” commented the head of the Austrian Gallup Institute, Andrea-Fronaschütz, on Wednesday this result.
To the survey: The survey was conducted at the end of June with a sample of 1,000 people, representative of the web-active population.
Source: Nachrichten
