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Vienna celebrations: Politicians praise recruits and security policy!
On National Day 2025, thousands visited Heldenplatz in Vienna. Political leaders speak out about security and neutrality.
Vienna celebrations: Politicians praise recruits and security policy!
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Austrian national holiday was celebrated with great success at Heldenplatz in Vienna. Thousands of visitors crowded the square to experience the army's impressive performance display. Among those present was Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ), who in his speech praised the outstanding work of our soldiers and emphasized the importance of neutrality in the Second Republic. The ongoing security and resilience of the state were also the focus of the speech, which was underpinned by the order and security measures of decentralized units.
In the speeches by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), the Hamas attack on Israel was strongly condemned. Van der Bellen spoke out in favor of increasing funding for the armed forces in order to ensure a strong defense capability and strengthen Austria's security. Nehammer also emphasized the importance of neutrality and Austria's responsibility in the current international crisis situation and emphasized support for Ukraine.
Political reactions and public voices
The Vienna FPÖ state party chairman Dominik Nepp took the opportunity to criticize the SPÖ's immigration policy. In a broadcast he demanded that the focus should be on responsibility for one's own citizens. His message that Austria's values and cohesion must be upheld was also reflected in his statements on Instagram. Maximilian Krauss, club chairman of the FPÖ, emphasized the pride of living in Austria in a social media posting.
Markus Figl, the ÖVP Vienna leader, recognized the day and the responsibility of many people who work for our country. In his report on the exhibition, he emphasized that the national holiday was not only dedicated to the new recruits, but also to thanking the citizens for their commitment. The invitation to the people of Vienna to take part in these celebratory speeches was accepted by many.
A celebration of strength and unity
During the event, around 1,000 recruits, including twenty women, were sworn in and ceremoniously welcomed. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) spoke out in favor of a strong army and thanked for the support in increasing funding. Vice Mayor Bettina Emmerling of the Pink Party did not comment on social media during the celebrations. The Neos Vienna organized an event in downtown Vienna and invited Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr to emphasize the importance of education and enlightenment.
However, there were no specific reactions from the Vienna Greens on social media to the national holiday. While the parties expressed differing views and priorities, the festival was perceived as a symbol of cohesion in times of crises and challenges. The calm atmosphere on Heroes' Square was mixed with the determination to actively defend national identity and peace.
For more information about the program and the background to the national holiday, interested readers can visit the official website of the Armed Forces: Federal Army.