The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has intensified its criticism of Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler, labeling her a "state threat" and demanding her immediate resignation.

The controversy stems from Gewessler's support for the EU's renaturation regulation, which she voted for in June without the ÖVP's approval.

This decision has sparked accusations of constitutional violations and federalism breaches from ÖVP's constitutional spokesperson, Wolfgang Gerstl.

The ÖVP has filed charges of abuse of office against Gewessler, claiming she ignored the unified stance of the federal states and the ÖVP-led Ministry of Agriculture.

Despite the backlash, Gewessler defends her decision, citing a shift in Vienna's position and arguing that no unified stance existed at the time of the vote.

Green Party members, including Agnes Prammer, have defended Gewessler, criticizing the ÖVP's language as reckless and accusing them of prioritizing lobby interests over environmental protection.