The Austrian government launched an unusual campaign. An annual pass for any type of public transport (the so-called climate ticket) was awarded free of charge to those who agreed to get a themed tattoo. Not everyone appreciated the initiative.
Such a travel card in Austria costs 1095 euros. It is owned by about 245 thousand people with a population of almost 9 million people.
The action was carried out this summer at two music festivals. Visitors were offered to get a tattoo in special tents and receive a travel card as a gift. Only six people received a free ticket in this way – the first three participants from each festival. There were several design options to choose from, from innocent hearts with the inscription Go Green to detailed images of the travel card.
The initiative was organized by Leonora Gewessler of the Green Party, which heads the Ministry for Climate and Environment Protection.
The campaign drew criticism from some politicians, the media, and social media users. NEOS MP Henrique Brandstetter called this approach to promote politics unworthy of a minister.
Local newspapers dubbed the action “environmental stupidity” and “naked cynicism.” Gewessler replied that tattoos were offered only to adults, most of whom already had pictures on their bodies.