Vienna in the upswing: SPÖ and NEOS reveal new coalition plans!

Vienna in the upswing: SPÖ and NEOS reveal new coalition plans!

On Tuesday, the SPÖ and Neos presented their new coalition pact for the future Vienna city government. SPÖ Mayor Michael Ludwig and Neos Vice Mayor Bettina Emmerling presented the results of intensive negotiations, which, however, still need the approval of the party committees. The final composition of the city government will only be announced after the votes, whereby the SPÖ will make their decision on Wednesday and the Neos on Saturday. The coalition now bears the name "upswing coalition", a change to the previously used term "progress coalition".

The objective of the new coalition includes a variety of topics. The areas of economy, education, climate protection and social issues that should experience an upswing are particularly emphasized. In view of the prevailing budget situation, the coalition plans structural reforms and the evaluation of grants. Particular attention is paid to the urban investments that are supposed to distribute higher dividends.

investments and reforms

Despite the current austerity measures, the coalition has firmly planned investments in the infrastructure. Vienna is to be positioned as a leading location for digitization and top technology. Planned measures include the expansion of the AI ​​Life Science Center, the promotion of artificial intelligence and machine learning as well as the establishment of a competence center for cyber security. Vienna is also active in the application for an "Ai gigafactory".

A central topic in the negotiations is also the reform of the Viennese minimum security, which is intended to benefit families with children and shared apartments in particular. This is done in a context in which, according to finance spokesman Manfred Juraczka, 66 percent of the minimum security relationships in Vienna are foreigners. ÖVP boss Karl Mahrer criticizes the city government and calls for an adaptation of social benefits to other federal states to reduce expenses and to promote the growth in the labor market instead of in the social system.

education and integration

Another focus is on the education sector. The obligation to visit children with language support from 20 to 30 hours is to be increased, while at the same time the lateral entry for other professional groups in kindergartens is to be facilitated. In addition, the elaboration of a "Vienna Integration Code" was announced, which should contribute to the integration of migrants.

In traffic planning, the coalition wants to carry out measures to unbundling foot and bike traffic, as well as test test routes for autonomous driving. The bicycle in trams and buses are also on the agenda. In order to promote climate protection and quality of life in the city, the coalition plans to plant 20,000 trees and the redesign of the ring road.

For further details on the measures presented and the current situation in Vienna, visit vienna.at, today.at and orf.at.