Salzburg Tunnel Proposal Sparks Controversy Among Residents and Politicians

SALZBURG, Austria — A proposed tunnel project in Salzburg is causing a rift between residents and local politicians, as the plans are tied to Wolfgang Porsche, heir to the famed car manufacturer. The contentious proposal involves digging through public land to construct a garage beneath Porsche’s 17th-century mansion, a site originally owned by the famed Austrian author Stefan Zweig.

Porsche purchased the property on Kapuzinerberg for approximately $9 million in 2020. The proposal, which features a 12-car, cross-shaped garage, would improve access to the mansion while allowing Porsche to bypass the steep, narrow road leading to the estate. The plan was met with initial support from Salzburg’s former mayor, but following a shift in political control after recent elections, opposition has grown.

Ingeborg Haller, a Green Party official leading the critique, expressed concern over the implications of private individuals being granted access to public land for personal projects. “I think what amazes people is that a private individual can dig into the mountain,” Haller told the Wall Street Journal.

In order to realize the tunnel, a change to the city’s zoning plan is necessary, requiring a council vote expected next month. Though the outcome remains uncertain, Porsche’s proposal has already ignited significant public debate. The potential cost of the project is estimated at €10 million, around $11.3 million.

To mitigate some opposition, Porsche has offered concessions, including allowing public visits to certain areas of the villa currently under renovation and granting neighbors potential access to the tunnel.

Critics argue that Porsche’s wealth has expedited his project’s approvals, contrasting it with public transportation initiatives that often face bureaucratic delays. Questions about the integrity of the decision-making process have also arisen due to the relationship between Porsche and Bernhard Auinger, the current mayor, who previously served on the board of Porsche’s holding company as a labor representative.

While some residents oppose the project, others express indifference or support. Hans Peter Reitter, a retired bank manager, remarked, “It’s the politics of envy. It is so embarrassing in Salzburg when there are serious and important problems to solve,” emphasizing the frustration felt by a portion of the community.

As the council prepares for its upcoming vote, the debate surrounding Porsche’s tunnel project is likely to remain a talking point in Salzburg, reflecting broader tensions regarding wealth and public land use.