The Wiener Grünen officially launched their campaign on Tuesday evening, March 25, 2025, at the Marx Halle, signaling an ambitious run for influence in the upcoming city elections. Led by candidate Judith Pühringer, the campaign, themed "Courage," aims to appeal to voters fed up with the status quo.
Pühringer’s remarks echoed concerns regarding the performances of coalition partners SPÖ and NEOS over the past five years, characterizing their governance as lacking in bold action. "This city is running out of air," she stated, reflecting on the stagnation she believes defines the current administration. The event drew significant attention, bolstered by the presence of prominent Green figures such as Werner Kogler, Alma Zadić, and Leonore Gewessler, who passionately criticized their rivals for failing to bring about meaningful change.
The audience, gathered in the Marx Palast, which accommodates up to 300, responded enthusiastically to Pühringer’s call for a new direction in Viennese politics. Under the slogan "Wien nur Mut" or "Vienna only courage," campaign signs were prominently displayed, encouraging a sense of urgency and empowerment among attendees. Pühringer challenged voters to choose between continuing with NEOS and ÖVP or embracing a future with the Greens, insisting that no substantial decisions for the city could be made without their involvement.
"Do you want the NEOS, who only want to maintain the status quo? Do you want the ÖVP, which wants to return to a past of concrete?" she questioned, further emphasizing that Vienna needs daring leadership to tackle its pressing issues. The past accomplishments of the Greens, such as the redesign of Mariahilfer Straße and the 365-Euro annual public transport ticket were highlighted as tangible progress made during their previous governmental tenure.
Kogler underscored the Greens' impact on the city, asserting, "Vienna still lives from the Green participation in government," and reminisced about advancements made during their coalition with the SPÖ, which has benefited the citizens. His remarks were pointedly directed at the NEOS, whom he accused of being invisible in governance, stating, "One must look closely to find evidence of NEOS governance in Vienna. The education sector has become a construction site that has now been exported to the federal level," he criticized, pointing out the ongoing challenges in education reform driven by NEOS's governance.
During the event, Zadić warned against potential cuts to justice and rule of law under the current administration, while Gewessler targeted the revival of the contentious Lobautunnel project. "We have smarter alternatives," she declared, condemning the proposed project, which she labeled as detrimental to climate goals.
Pühringer passionately called for greater environmental accountability, urging for more unsealing of streets, installation of solar panels on municipal buildings, and the implementation of a vacancy levy to encourage rental housing. "We need a vacancy levy now!" she yelled, pushing for policies that would make housing more accessible and less reliant on market forces.
Her rhetoric struck a chord with the audience, who responded with loud applause for her verve and commitment to a greener Vienna. "Let's create a good Vienna for tomorrow while ensuring Michael Ludwig remains mayor," she asserted, energizing the supporters who recognized that the upcoming elections will also define the future trajectory of environmental policy in the city.
The evening's momentum continued to build as Pühringer highlighted the urgency of collective action for genuine progress. The call to arms was underscored by her reflection on the past five years under SPÖ and NEOS, which she condemned for lacking the courage to enact policies that resonate with the pressing needs of Viennese citizens. Pühringer likened the current situation to a bicycle tire losing air, stating, "This city is slowly running out of air," a metaphor meant to invoke a sense of immediacy for the voters to take action.
The campaign event, structured around speeches and presentations, not only aimed to galvanize support from within but also sought to present a unified front against the established political order. Kogler's sentiments echoed throughout the night, reinforcing the belief that the party's legacy of courage was paramount for Vienna's future. His challenge to NEOS couldn't be more explicit: "In business matters, the Neos are on the completely wrong side," he asserted, galvanizing the audience's resolve against their opponents.
Pühringer also pointed to progressive policies from the Green government such as the lively redesign of Mariahilfer Straße and initiatives involving public transport that have made life easier and more affordable for the average citizen. With a tone filled with optimism, she said, "This spring is already green, but it will be greener, particularly green." This reflection demonstrates her intent to continue pushing for progressive policies if given the chance to contribute to the city's governance once again.
Ultimately, the night wrapped up with a resounding echo of party solidarity and determination. Supporters rallied around the idea that while there is work to be done, the Wiener Grünen possess the vision and the will to guide Vienna toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. Whether they will gain traction in the upcoming elections remains to be seen, but the spirit of the evening indicated a growing movement ready for change.
As voters approach the polls, Pühringer and the Wiener Grünen’s resolve to push for ambitious policies that prioritize ecological sustainability and socio-economic equity stands as a beacon for those seeking alternatives to Vienna's current political landscape. In a challenge to the voters, she reaffirmed, "Only with the Greens can we make bold decisions for our city," solidifying her position as a confident candidate ready to lead Vienna into its next chapter.
