“Krone” Elephant Round – Vienna: Dispute about safety, budget and social assistance

Security questions dominated from the start. Mayor Michael Ludwig (Spö) tried to shine calmly. Vienna is “one of the safest cities in the world”. Dominik Nepp (FPö) immediately opposed: “People are scared. The city has gotten out of hand since 2015.” And: “De Spö pays millions of people who do not want to work or are part of our society.” He sees Vienna as a magnet for crime – through too generous social benefits. Ludwig rejected that.

“Places where people don’t feel safe”
Karl Mahrer (ÖVP) also painted a dark image: “There are places where people no longer feel safe. Youth power has exploded.” He demanded more police, stricter penalties – and a reconsideration of social policy. Judith Pühringer (Greens) contradicted the safety story: “Everyone who increases fear every day weakens social cohesion.” Your alternative: Grätzel Police, more social work, prevention. Bettina Emmerling (Neos) added: “We don’t need an anxiety debate, but functioning structures.”

The next front developed when it comes to education. Pühringer brought songs: “50 percent of the children in the first primary school class cannot be enough German. And 80 percent of them were in kindergarten for two years.” Your conclusion: “The system doesn’t work.” Mahrer demanded compulsory language support in kindergarten, Emmerling defended her balance: “We have set up 500 language support forces – it is not enough, but a start.” Nepp spoke about an “educational chaos” caused by “uncontrolled immigration”. Ludwig referred to investments in elementary pedagogy.

“Minimum security only for Austrians”
It became emotional in the minimum debate. Nepp remained with its hard line: “Minimum security should only exist for Austrians.” The reaction? Unanimous rejection. Ludwig: “This is unconstitutional.” Pühringer: “This is not only inhumane, but also meaningless.” Emmerling proposed a different approach: “Pay benefits instead of cash benefits – more focused, fairer, more verifiable.” Mahrer, on the other hand, was aimed at particularly rejected asylum seekers: “In Vienna they receive 1200 euros-400 in other federal states. This is a pull-factor that cannot be refused.”

The Greens and the Spö in particular came together in the long -term favorite Loba tunnel. Pühringer spoke about the “worst of all suggestions”: “A tunnel under a nature reserve for six billion is a madness of traffic policy.” Emmerling agreed: “This does not bring relief. It is a symbol project of another time.” Ludwig, on the other hand, kept: “In the Danube city, international trucks run past schools. The tunnel protects residential areas.”

Agency actually only when it comes to health
The subject of health brought unity in the short term – at least superficial. Ludwig announced 30 new health centers and wants to turn Vienna into the “Privy Capital of Europe”. Mahrer praised the approach, but criticized the system: “Waiting times in the hospitals are unacceptable. 1450 does not work. We need digitization and structural reforms.” Emmerling called for “more efficiency, not just new centers”. Pühringer suggested a “Health Association Ostregion” to better coordinate financing with the environment.

In the case of the budgeting theme, the debate was re -confronted with confrontation. Vienna writes shortages in billions. Ludwig stated in perspective: “87 percent of the shortages arise at the federal level.” And: “We are already storing – but not on the back of people.” Mahrer called for a radical administrative reform: “We have to look for the financing jungle.” Emmerling mentioned “non -managing municipal councils” and the “highest party promotion in Europe” as a prison list. Pühringer said: “A zero euro model was promised to the public at events such as the St. Marx-Hal-NU pays the city millions.”

Nepp remained faithful to his line: “We could save two billion if we remove social benefits for people without Austrian passport. If you don’t work, you should not get anything.” Ludwig prevented facts: “Half of the minimum security recipients are children, old or sick people. Those who can work have to work – we have that for that.”

Nice words at the end for the competition
Finally, the candidates tried a brief moment of kindness. Ludwig praised the courage of Pühringer (“You have conquered her motorcycle anxiety, I think that is strong”), Pühringer thanked bucket for her nature loving, Emmerling named Mahrer “Humorous and pleasant”, Mahrer asked fake to “more right-wing politics”-nepp: “The Mayor is in a personal conversation.”