Discussed government agreements: Greens finally demand clear answers!

Discussed government agreements: Greens finally demand clear answers!

Wien, Österreich - On June 3, 2025, the party leaders of the Greens Vienna, Judith Pühringer and Peter Kraus, expressed sharp criticism of the cornerstones of the red-pink coalition under Mayor Michael Ludwig. The two politicians describe the proposals of the new city government as "despondent" and criticize that they do not offer solutions for urgent topics such as climate protection, education and lack of housing. In their opinion, they described the government agreement as a "injunctive relief agreement" because it does not say a word about the budget deficit of 3.3 to 3.8 billion euros that raises urgent questions.

Pühringer and Kraus specifically demand measures to restore nature in the city, such as the renaturation of the Vienna River and the planting of 100,000 new trees. In the field of education in particular, they see no progress: there is a lack of an effective concept for mixing and language support for non-German-speaking children. In the housing sector, they criticize the lack of a vacancy tax, which could lead to an impending lack of housing. In view of the great encouragement for a climate social urban policy, the Greens emphasized their role as constructive opposition and announced that they would continue to make suggestions.

content of the coalition agreement

The coalition, which is marketed as a "future coalition", includes a 209-page government program that focuses on several central topics. Among other things, an economic stimulus package of 600 million euros is to be put together to support the labor market and the economy. The continuation of the "Aktion 50plus" aims to integrate older unemployed sustainably. In addition, the program provides for a review of taxes, taxes and fees to relieve the administration.

• education: strengthening schools with high social challenges, introduction of free all -day schools and expansion of kindergarten places.
• climate protection: goal of CO2 neutrality by 2040, annually defined climate budgets and the exit from fossil fuels.
• Mobility: traffic calming of the city center and a comprehensive public transport network.
• living: planned creation of 5,500 new community apartments and a throttling of the residential building boom.

climate change adjustment and challenges

In addition to the critical statement of the Greens, the context of climate change in Austrian cities is important. A master thesis examines the role of climate change adjustment in urban space and identifies both a hindrical and beneficial factors. Research shows that cities mostly reactively deal with climate change consequences, whereby forward -looking plans and measures to increase urban resilience rarely come into focus. The main obstacles include a lack of problem awareness, different interests of the actors and inadequate resources.

The author of the study recommends more intensive awareness formation and the creation of new financial incentives to support the municipal decision -makers in adapting to climate change. Strictly legal requirements could also help to advance the necessary measures.

The critical feedback from Pühringer and Kraus underlines the great challenge in which the new red-pink coalition is facing, especially at a time when citizens expect more sustainable use in climate policy.