Mayor of Vienna – Will the candy coalition last five years, Mr. Ludwig?

Inside the richly decorated Christmas tree, outside the windows the winter wonderland of the country’s most famous Advent market – no one can escape the Christ Child in Mayor Michael Ludwig’s town hall. We hand the city boss the headline book ‘Krone’ and talk briefly about a few topics:

Candy coalition in the federal government. Will it really last five years? “I am convinced that if we make a good start now, it will not only last five years, but important reforms will also be implemented,” said Ludwig. But there will be no Christmas miracle. The city boss continued: “Realistically, I would guess January.”

Budget negotiations without budget figures. “That is certainly one of the most important points of discussion. “Many decisions discussed in the working groups depend on financing,” he explains. “Of course, it must be guaranteed what the budget situation will be after Finance Minister Magnus Brunner of the ÖVP is responsible for the budget.”

“Own Commissioner”
Ludwig’s favorite headline this year: “Affordable housing: Vienna should serve as a role model for the EU.” The mayor said: “We have held a number of international conferences on this subject, and I have also suggested that there should be a dedicated commissioner. who, among other things, live in the area of ​​competence. That was successful. A powerful signal for urban metropolises.”

Which cup do you want for 2025? Ludwig: “A good SPÖ result in the elections in Vienna.”

With early elections in Vienna there are dates around May, Ludwig waves away. The elections will take place regularly – probably on October 5.

Christmas in the Ludwig House: “I spend the time in Vienna, just as I spent the summer in Vienna. I don’t know a better city. My wife is from Upper Austria. Traditionally, according to Upper Austrian custom, there are bratwurst and sauerkraut on the table, but this time it is more carp and potatoes. As a Viennese you assert yourself.”