New SPÖ-NEOS team: Ludwig presents strong women in the town hall!

New SPÖ-NEOS team: Ludwig presents strong women in the town hall!

The city of Vienna has set a new course: Mayor Michael Ludwig and his SPÖ are bringing a breath of fresh air into the government. On June 9, 2025, he proudly introduced his new team, which will work with a clear focus on economic stimulus and social cohesion. A future-oriented government program entitled “Recovery Coalition” has been presented, and there is great anticipation about the challenges ahead. How courier reports, Ludwig shows a characteristic gesture in official photos and thus sets the tone for the cooperation between SPÖ and NEOS.

The new city councilors have been elected, and two of them particularly stand out: Barbara Novak, now responsible for finance, and Ulli Sima, who is responsible for transport and urban planning. Novak succeeds Peter Hanke and will be responsible for Wien Holding in addition to the finance department. At the presentation, Sima prepared to tackle the challenges of the municipal utilities and the planned redesign of the Ringstrasse. This redesign is intended to promote vital walking and cycling and has already been highlighted as an important project.

The latest from the coalition

An important step for the SPÖ was the successful vote on the coalition with the NEOS: at the general meeting, 81.9 percent voted in favor of the cooperation. The NEOS also appeared to be in agreement, not least in view of the remarkable number of market visitors to the Vienna markets, which rose to 32.8 million in the last 12 months. Emmerling, as deputy mayor and new contact for education, integration and markets, will now take responsibility for the markets and venture into new challenges.

Also noteworthy is the criticism that is being voiced within the ÖVP. Local councilor Caroline Hungerländer expressed dissatisfaction with the spending on Pride events, while the Chamber of Commerce predicts additional sales of up to 20 million euros from these events. However, the Vienna ÖVP has clearly spoken out in favor of diversity and against discrimination.

A look into the future

The new government program includes exciting plans: The city should become fit for the future by investing in digitalization, technology and climate protection. Measures for climate neutrality by 2040 and investments in photovoltaics and geothermal energy, including a newly planned “Vienna Integration Code,” are on the agenda. Also worth mentioning is the mandatory 30-hour kindergarten attendance for children with increased language needs, which is intended to promote equal opportunities. In addition, the aim is to modernize the hospital infrastructure in order to strengthen Vienna as a healthcare location.

Through their solid coalition with 53 out of 100 mandates in the local council, Michael Ludwig and Bettina Emmerling have laid solid foundations, which will be laid down by the constituent meeting on June 10th. The challenges ahead are complex, but the new leadership is optimistic and brings fresh ideas for Vienna's development.