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SPÖ Vienna presents economic compass: chaos or progress?
The Vienna SPÖ presents its new economic compass, which is intended to combine social and economic goals, while the opposition criticizes.
SPÖ Vienna presents economic compass: chaos or progress?
On November 8, 2025, the Vienna SPÖ presented a new “economic compass” at its party conference. This compass received the approval of 400 delegates and is intended to combine social aspects, climate protection and economic prosperity. SPÖ state party secretary Jörg Neumayer emphasizes that economic success must always go hand in hand with social cohesion and environmental protection. Given the current challenges, such as high inflation and rising energy costs, a balanced approach is necessary.
As part of this discussion, Jörg Neumayer also emphasizes the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the Viennese economy. Specifically, the Economic Compass contains eight chapters aimed, among other things, at SME support, active labor market policy and digital innovation. The Vienna nursing training bonus program, which pays 630 euros per month to nursing trainees, is a further step towards counteracting the shortage of skilled workers.
Political tensions and interests
The coalition partners NEOS are also calling for more relief for companies and a reduction in bureaucracy. Vice Mayor Bettina Emmerling calls for “courageous reforms” and sees education as a central economic factor. The opposition, however, led by the ÖVP and FPÖ, sharply criticizes the new economic compass. ÖVP boss Markus Figl describes the proposals as “sheer mockery” and argues that the measures do not do enough to counteract rising housing subsidies and more expensive public transport tickets.
A crucial element of the current situation is that the 2026 budget will test the seriousness of the red-pink coalition. In particular, the pressure on the city government is growing in times of tense global economic conditions. The question arises here: How can Vienna continue to assert itself in this complex situation?
Support for small businesses
In addition, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection has launched programs to support SMEs. These measures aim to help companies increase their energy efficiency and establish systematic energy management systems. The funding for energy management systems in SMEs expires on June 30, 2025 and offers grants of up to 50 percent, with a maximum of 50,000 euros per funding recipient. These steps are necessary to promote the competitiveness of companies and to achieve Austria's climate and energy goals.
In this tense situation, companies like YANMAR are also relying on energy-efficient solutions. The company produces not only reliable but also environmentally friendly engines that are used in various areas such as agriculture and industry. YANMAR engines come with high performance promises and impressive warranties and are designed as high performance technology.
In summary, the SPÖ's new economic compass is an ambitious attempt to find understanding solutions for the Viennese economy. While discussions between the political partners and the opposition camp continue, it remains to be seen how these measures will work in practice.