1974–1978: Protests and Referendum Against the Zwentendorf Nuclear Power Plant Exhibition

This entry details the significant protests and the pivotal 1978 referendum in Austria concerning the Zwentendorf nuclear power plant. It chronicles the political debates, public opposition, and the close vote that ultimately decided against its operation, marking a turning point in Austria's energy policy and environmental movement.

From 1974 to 1978, Austria experienced significant public mobilization and political contention surrounding the construction and planned commissioning of the Zwentendorf nuclear power plant. Initially, nuclear power plant construction had been planned and underway since 1969. However, as the first facility in Zwentendorf neared completion, protests intensified, spearheaded by left-wing groups and the 'ARGE Nein zu Zwentendorf' coalition. The debate escalated, drawing in then-Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, who initially strongly advocated for the plant. His attempt to pass legislation for its commissioning in parliament failed, leading him to agree to a referendum. The ÖVP, under Josef Taus, shifted its stance overnight to oppose the plant. The referendum, held on November 5, 1978, with a 64% turnout, resulted in a narrow decision against the nuclear power plant, with 50.47% voting no and 49.33% voting yes, a margin of approximately 30,000 votes. While Kreisky initially accepted the outcome, subsequent discussions about the plant's potential commissioning persisted until the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 definitively ended all such plans. The Zwentendorf event is viewed as a culmination of the post-World War II economic expansion phase, where environmental concerns and public opinion were often secondary. Alongside protests against the Hainburg dam construction in 1984, the Zwentendorf debate contributed significantly to the formation of the Green Party in Austria, which first entered parliament in 1986. The page also includes related historical context and links to other relevant entries within the 'Lexikon zur Zeitgeschichte'.