Vienna City Council debates about difficult accounts 2024

Vienna City Council debates about difficult accounts 2024

Wien, Österreich - On June 23, 2025, a two-day debate on the 2024 debate began in Vienna. This was the first regular meeting of the city parliament after the Vienna election in April 2025. City Councilor Barbara Novak (SPÖ) gave her first speech, in which she outlined the challenging financial situation of the city. A budget deficit of 1.77 billion euros was found, which is better than the originally expected 2.24 billion euros. In addition, the municipality's financial debt amounted to 11.9 billion euros, an increase of 1.77 billion euros compared to the previous year.

The invoice for 2024 shows that a total of 19.9 billion euros were paid out. The expenses were used in particular for social areas, health, education, childcare and public transport, with 11.4 billion euros in tributaries. According to the data, Vienna invested 3.3 billion euros in social issues, 3.1 billion euros in health offers, and 2.6 billion euros in education.

effects of the economic situation

In her speech, Novak thanked the person responsible for the invoice, especially Peter Hanke and Christoph Maschek. She referred to the slow economic recovery in Vienna after the Corona years and the energy crisis. The economic forecasts indicate that the deficit could increase up to 3.8 billion euros in 2025. Novak also reported that unemployment in Vienna is 6.1 percent, which is below the national average of 8.2 percent. The turnover from 6,619 congresses and trade fairs in Vienna last year was 5.6 billion euros, supported by a record of 18.9 million overnight stays.

Another aspect that Novak emphasized was the need for a savings package that is currently being negotiated in the town hall. Details are not yet known, but the ongoing execution is crucial to support the consolidation path with the federal government. The minimum security was also addressed. Novak called for their preservation so as not to endanger social cohesion, but reforms in this area could be necessary.

urban planning measures and investments

As part of the debate, the speakers also discussed infrastructural measures. 22,000 new apartments are planned as part of the 2024 residential building offensive. Investments in statutory health care were 3.42 billion euros, while 3.86 billion euros were made available in the education sector. This is intended to create new schools and all -day schools. Particular attention is also paid to the creation of new bike paths; 24 kilometers were realized as part of the cycle path offensive.

The positive conclusion for 2024 is attributed to strict household monitoring and consistent implementation. However, Novak pointed out that reserves were dissolved to secure the financing, which could not prove to be sustainable in the long term. The budgeting process for 2026 begins soon, accompanied by stability pact negotiations with the federal government.

sales in Vienna rose to 119 billion euros in 2024, which makes up a quarter of the gross national product. In addition, 10,000 company settlements were registered, especially in growing sectors such as biotechnology and IT with strong focus on cybersecurity and AI development. These developments underpin the goal of further profiling themselves as a location for innovative companies.

After the debate, the first normal municipal council of the new government period will be held on Wednesday, followed by a state session on Thursday. The City of Vienna continuously checks its financial strategies with regard to future challenges and opportunities to secure and expand the quality of life of its citizens.

More information is available via the Data catalog of the city of Vienna