FPÖ aims at Simmering: change of power in the Vienna election 2025?

Von WOM

Simmering, Österreich - On April 27, 2025, the highly expected elections to the local council and the district representatives take place in Vienna. The political direction and the balance of power are redefined in a total of 23 districts. The pressure is particularly high in the Freedom Party (FPÖ), which strives for a change of power in some districts, especially in Simmering. The Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) in 17 districts is currently in charge, while the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Greens each rule in three districts.

Voter turnout is a decisive factor, especially after the background of the last municipal council election in 2020, when the FPÖ in Simmering achieved its best result with 28.44 percent, but was significantly weaker at the municipal level. The incumbent district captain Georg Papai (SPÖ) has a stable lead over the FPÖ with 44.52 percent, which only received 9.64 percent of the vote. This makes the influence of the FPÖ particularly challenging on the district representatives. OE24 To bring the party back to the top.

important districts in focus

The FPÖ not only has Simmering in his sights, but also the districts of Floridsdorf, Danube City and Favorites. In the past, the FPÖ was able to get close to the SPÖ in these areas. Especially in the Danube city and Favorites, more people live than in Linz, which increases the number of voters. A total of 1,374,712 people are entitled to vote in the 23 Vienna districts, including non-Austrian EU citizens at the district level, who can vote, such as press.wien.gv.at emphasized.

An interesting aspect of the district elections is the right to propose for the district head, which is entitled to the strongest faction. These decisions concern not only the election as the district manager, but also the vice board position that falls on the second strongest party. In addition, the district heads are responsible for the preservation of compulsory schools, traffic areas and parks as well as for urban planning decisions.

political landscape and historical election relationships

Historically, there have been no change in power in 13 of the 23 districts since 1946. Twelve of these districts were continuously ruled by the SPÖ. Only the first district, the inner city, was always in the hands of the ÖVP. However, the dynamics of the elections could change due to the current political tensions. In the National Council election in autumn, the FPÖ even achieved first place in the home district of SPÖ mayor Michael Ludwig, which increases the chances of changing power in the upcoming elections.

The voter turnout of the last district representation election in 2020 fluctuated: While a participation of 67.82 percent was recorded in Josefstadt, the lowest turnout in Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus was 49.95 percent. The course of the upcoming elections will show whether the FPÖ can actually regain lost terrain and whether the SPÖ can continue to consolidate its power, while the political conditions in the capital may change.

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OrtSimmering, Österreich
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