Pühringer calls for closure of the red-green alliance
In a lively rally at the Museumsquartier on Friday, the Greens made it clear:They're aiming to partner up again with the SPO in Vienna, challenging the Social Democrats to step boldly into the future instead of revisiting the past with the ÖVP. Spearheading the campaign, top candidate Judith Pühringer encouraged supporters to ditch the NEOS, considering them out of the race.
With just a few days left until the election, Pühringing emphasized the importance of bringing the Greens into city governance. "It's high time the city became bolder and greener, so it's easier to live for everyone in Vienna," she declared. The Greens are dissatisfied with the recent red-pink coalition's lack of decisive action on issues such as exploding housing costs and outdated education policies.
A Club of Courage
Leonore Gewessler, former Climate Protection Minister, struck a defiant tone, reminding the audience of the Greens' achievements, such as the traffic-calmed Mariahilfer Straße, the 365-euro annual ticket, the climate ticket, and the halting of the Lobautunnel planning. Gewessler argued that success comes from courage and criticized the current federal-level coalition of ÖVP, SPO, and NEOS for lacking it. On Sunday, she urged, it's time to choose the direction—"Courage has a color," she proclaimed, "and that color is green."
Former Justice Minister Alma Zadic pointed to the "blind steer" of the red-pink coalition in Vienna, leading the city into an education crisis. In contrast, she asserted, the Greens aim to ensure the "best school for the children, regardless of district," emphasizing the need for more equitable education policies.
Surging towards Third Place?
Co-party leader Peter Kraus expressed optimism, noting the Greens' recent rise in polls. "The race for third place is shaping up nicely for us Greens," he said, referring to surveys showing the eco-party just ahead of the ÖVP and NEOS. But, Kraus cautioned, the ballots haven't been cast yet, and it's up to voters to make it reality on Sunday.
The Greens pin their hopes on more decisive and ambitious action on housing costs, education, and environmental initiatives than what the SPÖ has delivered in recent years. Only time will tell if the Viennese agree, as they head to the polls this weekend.
- In her speech, Leonore Gewessler, the former Climate Protection Minister, critiqued the current federal coalition of ÖVP, SPO, and NEOS, arguing that they lack the courage needed to implement effective policy-and-legislation changes, such as addressing exploding housing costs and outdated education policies.
- Peter Kraus, co-party leader of the Greens, expressed optimism about their chances in the upcoming election, stating that recent polls suggest the Greens could secure third place, surpassing both the ÖVP and NEOS. However, he emphasized that it's ultimately up to the voters to make this a reality by casting their ballots on Sunday.
