Ludwig is aiming for a quick coalition conclusion: Who will be a partner?

Ludwig is aiming for a quick coalition conclusion: Who will be a partner?

On April 28, 2025, Mayor Michael Ludwig of the SPÖ plans to quickly form a new coalition to secure a stable city government before the summer. Loud vienna.at The exploratory talks are to be concluded this week, followed by concrete negotiations with the possible partners NEOS, the Greens or the ÖVP in the coming week. He categorically rules out cooperation with the FPÖ.

The SPÖ leader announced the information after a meeting at the Finance Ministry and will meet with the parties mentioned in the coming days. The exploratory team consists of Ludwig, state party secretary Barbara Novak and club chairman Josef Taucher, similar faces to the previous exploratory surveys five years ago, which resulted in a successful collaboration with the NEOS.

Coalition partners in view

The possible coalition partners are clearly defined: NEOS, represented by Vice Mayor Bettina Emmerling, would like to continue the successful “progress coalition” with the SPÖ. Emmerling highlights the impressive balance of 97 percent implemented projects in the education sector and sees great potential for a stable majority with the SPÖ. The Greens, led by top candidate Judith Pühringer, are also ready to take back government responsibility after four and a half years of opposition. They value the common goals, such as affordable housing and climate justice, that they associate with the SPÖ presse.wien.gv.at.

The ÖVP is also one of the possible partners, although it suffered losses in the election. Top candidate Karl Mahrer emphasizes that the ÖVP is ready for a policy of the center and social cohesion. This leaves room for various coalition scenarios, with the NEOS seen as the most likely candidate to secure a stable majority, as found in a poll.

Public opinion on coalitions

According to an online survey by Unique Research on Austrians' opinions on a black-red-pink coalition, 61 percent support the three-party coalition, but only if real reforms are addressed. The coalition finds particular support among SPÖ (89%) and NEOS (97%) voters, who see reforms as crucial. The FPÖ voters, on the other hand, overwhelmingly reject this coalition, which continues to make the political landscape exciting. This trend analysis is done by today.at supports.

Overall, Mayor Ludwig is committed to quickly completing the exploratory talks and agreeing on one of the possible partners. While he does not express a specific preference, he emphasizes the previous successful cooperation with the NEOS, which underlines the urgency of quickly forming a government.