The SPÖ now pays slightly less rent for its party headquarters in Vienna’s Löwelstrasse than a few years ago – namely 11,982.18 euros. Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) explained this during the question time of the city council on Tuesday. A re-measurement revealed that the building is smaller than originally indicated.
Ludwig explained the situation in detail: Specifically, there are several existing contracts related to the property. “These date from 1946 and were concluded on the basis of the tenancy law applicable at the time of signing the contract.” The so-called peace rate was applied to five contracts, Ludwig reports. Here, 2.39 euros per square meter is charged. More has to be paid for the other contracts – namely up to 11.21 euros. As Ludwig explained, the contracts would be valued continuously.
During question time, the mayor was also confronted with figures that became known in 2017. At that time, the interest was still around 13,500 euros. As far as he knows, the amounts have been reduced after a revaluation, he explains – in 2004 and 2005.
Mayor rejects special laws
Ludwig confirmed that the legal situation in force had always been complied with. Ludwig spoke out against passing special laws and intervening in contracts because of criticism. Because this could mean that a change in the applicable legal situation also affects many other tenants in the city.
Back in the historic meeting room for the first time after the Corona break
Ludwig also responded to a question that was more aimed at the Viennese SPÖ boss – namely, whether the SPÖ intended to move out of their party headquarters, as rumored. This was the decision of the committees and the federal SPÖ, which is the main tenant, he emphasized. There it is always checked whether the spatial preconditions meet the requirements. After the Corona break, the city council reconvened in the historic meeting room, after the ballroom had served as an alternative for two years.
The FPÖ’s request was possible because the city owns the property. In his position as party chairman, Ludwig could not have been questioned in the city council. As a result, Ludwig was available to answer questions as the landlady’s representative.
Vienna ÖVP speaks of rental scandal
For the Viennese ÖVP, a “comprehensive clarification of the events surrounding the SPÖ party headquarters in the Löwelstrae” is still waiting. Ludwig had “missed vital answers”. In addition, it was also announced that rents in Löwelstrasse “of course even fell and did not increase. The rent scandal drags on,” said club president Markus Wölbitsch and housing spokesman Peter Sittler.
Source: Krone
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