Opposition raises the alarm: Vienna's new government program under fire!

Opposition raises the alarm: Vienna's new government program under fire!

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the SPÖ and the Neos presented their new government program in Vienna. Under the title "upswing coalition", the two parties have put together a comprehensive 191-page program after 24 days of intensive discussions, which focuses on strengthening the business location and the innovations in education, climate protection and social aspects. SPÖ Mayor Michael Ludwig and Neos Vice Mayor Bettina Emmerling presented the content in detail and outlined the common goals and challenges for the coming years.

The government coalition has set ambitious plans that include the necessary austerity measures. The budgets are to be consolidated by structural reforms and all subsidies are to be evaluated. The city government is planning, among other things, the creation of 400,000 square meters of new green spaces as well as extensive investments in digitization and infrastructure, despite the sought savings. Especially in the area of ​​climate protection there will be a focus on new technologies, such as the expansion of the AI ​​Life Science Center and test tracks for autonomous driving in public transport.

opposition practices massive criticism

relatively quickly after the presentation was formed in the opposition. Greens, FPÖ and KPÖ expressed their concerns about various aspects of the coalition program. The Greens miss "courage for Vienna", especially when mixing the student body and sustainable support classes. The demand for a vacancy tax for apartments was also discussed in order to counteract the housing shortage in the city.

The FPÖ, represented by its boss Dominik Nepp, criticizes the so-called "driver bashing" and the influence of the "cycling lobby". He also demands real reforms in relation to minimum security. Nepp is dissatisfied with the plans because they cannot convince him sufficiently. The KPÖ primarily criticizes the inadequate measures in the living and care sector, which in their opinion are missing.

innovations and social measures

The government program also provides for important social initiatives, such as the development of a “Viennese integration code” that is intended to determine integration principles and an annual evaluation of the integration measures. In addition, the care in the education sector is improved, with a planned increase in kindergarten attendance for children with language support and strengthening school autonomy.

The urban strategy also includes the continuation of the "Nursing Strategy 2030", which aims to optimize the care offers. The initiative to combat child and youth crime and the improvement of outpatient health offers are also part of the plan.

The new government program, however, is still subject to consent from the committees of the coalition parties, with the SPÖ, which is to vote on this on Wednesday. The NEOS, on the other hand, have already set a general meeting for the coming Saturday to discuss and coordinate the planned measures.

Overall, the government program of SPÖ and NEOS shows both large ambitions and some challenges. It remains to be seen how they can be mastered in the practical implementation and whether the opposition will be heard by their criticism.

meinbezirk.at reports href = "https://www.diepresse.com/19755025/worauf-s-sich-poe-und-inigt-wiens-Koalition-Praese-program"> The press informs about the details of the coalition, and vienna.at adds the information with further perspectives and backgrounds to the program items.