SPÖ victory in Vienna: Ludwig explores coalitions with Neos, Greens and ÖVP!

SPÖ victory in Vienna: Ludwig explores coalitions with Neos, Greens and ÖVP!

Wien, Österreich - Today, on April 27, 2025, the Vienna election ensured clear conditions. The Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) under Mayor Michael Ludwig was able to secure the election victory. With 43 mandates, the SPÖ receives the majority in 100 seats. This means that the SPÖ has several coalition options: it can choose between the Neos, the People's Party (ÖVP) and the Greens. Ludwig intends to record exploratory talks with all parties, with the exception of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), which has received 22 mandates this year and could therefore theoretically enable a majority of 65 seats for the SPÖ, but was excluded by Ludwig. According to vienna.at a coalition with the Greens, the 15 mandates, would be the strongest because it would bring the SPÖ to 58 mandates.

The Neos, led by Vice Mayor Bettina Emmerling, have already signaled that they want to continue a “progress coalition” with the SPÖ. The NEOs strive for an increase in the election result and emphasize the need for a stable majority. Emmerling emphasizes the successful cooperation in the field of education and refers to a government monitor that documents an implementation of 97 percent of the projects. In their assessment, they form an essential building block for a new coalition. The Greens, led by Judith Pühringer, are also interested in government participation and emphasize that their common issues such as affordable living, good education and climate justice harmonize well with the goals of the SPÖ. [Press.wien.gv.at] (https://presse.wien.gv.at/presse/2025/27/intergrund-zur-wien-wahl-20-neos-gruene-und-oevp-fillen-sich-als coalition partners) reports that the Greens are available after four and a half years of opposition to switch back to government.

situation analysis and further steps

Mayor Ludwig Plans to initiate exploratory talks promptly in order to explore the possibilities of a coalition before the summer. The aim is to form a stable city and state government that is also able to master the challenges of the coming years. According to vienna.at, the voters have used the opportunity to give up over 1.4 million voters, and thus decide on the composition of the municipal council.

In view of the surveys that the SPÖ saw in advance, and a close competition between the Greens, ÖVP and Neos for third place, the outcome of these elections is considered to be quite exciting. The coming time will show whether Ludwig can implement the intended political course with a new coalition.