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

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

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the SPÖ and NEOS presented their new government program in Vienna. After 24 days of intensive discussions, the two parties have put together a comprehensive 191-page program under the title “Resurgence Coalition” that focuses on strengthening the business location and 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 governing coalition has set ambitious plans that include necessary austerity measures. The budgets are to be consolidated through structural reforms and all funding is to be evaluated. The city government plans, among other things, to create 400,000 square meters of new green spaces as well as extensive investments in digitalization and infrastructure, despite the desired savings. Particularly 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 routes for autonomous driving in public transport.

Opposition is massively critical

Relatively quickly after the presentation, opposition emerged. The Greens, FPÖ and KPÖ expressed their concerns about various aspects of the coalition program. The Greens miss “courage for Vienna”, especially when it comes to 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 leader Dominik Nepp, criticizes the so-called “driver bashing” and the influence of the “cycling lobby”. He also calls for real reforms regarding the minimum income. Nepp is dissatisfied with the plans because they cannot convince him sufficiently. The KPÖ particularly criticizes the inadequate measures in the housing and care sector, which they believe are missing.

Innovations and social measures

The government program also provides for important social initiatives, such as the development of a “Vienna Integration Code”, which is intended to define integration principles, and an annual evaluation of integration measures. In addition, support in the educational sector will be improved, with a planned increase in compulsory kindergarten attendance for children with language needs and the strengthening of school autonomy.

The city's strategy also includes the continuation of the “Care Strategy 2030”, which aims to optimize care offerings. The initiative to combat child and youth crime and improving outpatient health services are also part of the plan.

However, the new government program is still subject to approval by coalition party committees, with the SPÖ due to vote on it on Wednesday. The NEOS, on the other hand, have already scheduled a general meeting for next Saturday to discuss and vote on the planned measures.

Overall, the government program of the SPÖ and NEOS shows both great ambitions and some challenges. It remains to be seen how these can be overcome in practical implementation and whether the opposition will be heard through their criticism.

meinkreis.at reports, that … the press informed about the details of the coalition, and vienna.at added the information with further perspectives and background information on the program items.