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

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

The city of Vienna has set new course: Mayor Michael Ludwig and his SPÖ bring a breath of fresh air to the government. On June 9, 2025, he proudly introduced his new team, which will work with a clear focus on economic impulses and social cohesion. A future -oriented government program entitled "Recovery Coalition" was presented, and the anticipation for the upcoming challenges is great. Like Kurier , Ludwig shows a characteristic gesture in official photos and thus gives the sound for the cooperation between SPÖ and NEOS.

The new city councilors are chosen, and two of them stand out: Barbara Novak, now responsible for finances, and Ulli Sima, who takes traffic and urban planning in hand. Novak succeeds Peter Hanke and will also be responsible for Vienna Holding in addition to the finance department. At the presentation, Sima was ready to tackle the challenges of the municipal utility and the planned redesign of the ring road. This redesign is intended to promote vital foot and cycling traffic and has already been emphasized as an important project.

The latest from the coalition

An important step for the SPÖ was the successful coordination of the coalition with the NEOS: 81.9 percent voted for the cooperation at the general meeting. The NEOS also agreed, not least in view of the remarkable market visitor figures for the Viennese markets, which have risen to 32.8 million in the past 12 months. Emmerling, as a mayor and new contact person for education, integration and markets, will now take responsibility for the markets and ventures into new challenges.

The criticism that becomes loud within the ÖVP is also remarkable. City councilor Caroline Hungerländer expressed resentment about the expenditure on Pride events, while the Chamber of Commerce predicts additional sales of up to 20 million euros through these events. However, the Vienna ÖVP has clearly spoken out for diversity and against discrimination.

A look into the future

The new government program includes exciting plans: The city should become a future fit by investing in digitization, technology and climate protection. Measures for climate neutrality by 2040 and investments in photovoltaics and geothermal energy up to a newly planned "Wiener Integration Code" are on the agenda. Also worth mentioning is the mandatory visit to the kindergarten of 30 hours for children with an increased need for language promotion, which is intended to promote equal opportunities. In addition, a modernization of the hospital infrastructure is sought to strengthen the health location of Vienna.

Michael Ludwig and Bettina Emmerling laid solid foundations with 53 out of 100 mandates in the municipal council, which will be determined on June 10 by the constituent session. The upcoming challenges are complex, but the new leadership is optimistic and brings fresh ideas to the development of Vienna.