Vienna in upheaval: SPÖ and NEOS start a despondent downward program!

Vienna in upheaval: SPÖ and NEOS start a despondent downward program!

On June 10, 2025, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) and NEOS announced the formation of a new coalition, referred to as the “downward coalition,” at Vienna City Hall. This cooperation was consolidated by Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) and Deputy Mayor Bettina Emmerling (NEOS) to ensure a stable city government after the election in April 2025. However, the new government program, which comprises 191 pages, gives rise to criticism because it glosses over numerous problems and lacks concrete solutions, as OTS reports.

The program, which was presented on June 3, 2025, is entitled “Recovery Coalition” and aims to address key challenges such as minimum income, the budget and the education sector. Critics complain that reforms are only evaluated and that concrete implementation strategies are missing. Furthermore, a discouraged approach to economic policy is denounced, which does not take advantage of opportunities for Vienna as a location.

Challenges and need for reform

The criticism is particularly directed at the shortage of skilled workers, the health and business locations and the support of one-person companies. The Vienna city government is perceived as lacking innovation, and a strong, critical and constructive opposition force is announced from the People's Party. In order to improve the situation, concrete solutions are required.

The evaluation of all funding is a central point in the government program. The coalition intends to create more sustainability through structural reforms and consolidation of the budget situation. At the same time, municipal investments should yield higher dividends and synergies should be sought in comparable areas of responsibility, as can be read on the website of Die Presse.

Investments and future visions

Vienna should be made fit for the future through investments in digitalization, artificial intelligence and the expansion of the Life Science Center. Planned measures include the creation of 400,000 square meters of new green space, the expansion of cycle paths and the redesign of the ring road to separate pedestrian and cycle traffic. The application to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is also the focus of the program.

In the education sector, the aim is to make it compulsory for children with increased language support needs to attend kindergarten for 30 hours per week. In addition, lateral entry for specialists in elementary education should be made easier and language support in kindergarten should be expanded in order to reduce the number of non-standard students. Measures to combat child and youth crime and to support families are also on the agenda, as Wien.gv.at reports.

The new coalition is therefore required to develop visions and measures to meet Vienna's current challenges and offer long-term solutions. The constituent meeting of the new local council also falls on June 10, 2025, which marks a symbolic start for the implementation of the program.