Readers ask Ludwig:

“Krone” readers ask and Michael Ludwig answers

Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) answered questions from krone.tv presenter Gerhard Koller in the Red Salon of Vienna City Hall.

(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

In krone.tv's "Mayor's Hour" (see video above), Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig spent 60 minutes answering questions from "Krone" readers and viewers on very topical issues such as migration and security in Vienna, but also on inflation.

For one hour, Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) answered the most burning questions from "Krone" readers and viewers in the new krone.tv program "The Mayor's Hour". Hundreds sent in their concerns, worries and needs. The most pressing issues in Vienna at the moment? Migration and security. Three quarters of all the questions sent in related to these issues. How will the city deal with the current challenges? What concrete measures is Mayor Ludwig planning in relation to the rising cost of living, the housing shortage, education, security and environmental protection? Here is a summary of the questions and answers.

Asylum and migration: "Why do you tolerate so many foreigners living in Vienna?" Most of the questions from Krone readers were about migration and foreign infiltration. Here, the mayor repeatedly referred to the responsibility of the federal government. Christine Höfer asks Michael Ludwig: "Why do you allow our city to be populated by people who are not prepared to accept our way of life?"

The answer: "As the City of Vienna, we have no influence on how many and which people come to us. We just try to integrate people very quickly, right from the start," says Ludwig. However, migration has always been a major challenge. One important integration measure is learning the German language, emphasizes the city boss. "Just a few hours ago, we presented an additional program that will offer more German and more lessons for learning the German language." The teaching of values that are essential for us is also important. For example, democratic values and equality between men and women.

Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) in the "Mayor's Hour" in the Red Salon at Vienna City Hall.

(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

Violence and safety: "Would you walk alone across Reumannplatz at 10 pm?" The recent incidents of violence in various districts have moved many readers. Reumannplatz in Favoriten has also been reported on several times. A weapons ban zone was recently introduced here. "Krone" reader Sandra Marktl therefore wanted to know from Mayor Ludwig: "Would you walk alone across Reumannplatz at 10 p.m.?"

Ludwig replied: "I often travel alone late at night on the subway and other public transport and I have no problem with that. But I understand that girls and women have a different need for safety." Together with the Vienna police, we therefore take a very close look. No violence is accepted. Once again, the mayor repeated a long-standing demand to the Ministry of the Interior: more police for Vienna. In some districts, he said, they were clearly understaffed. There is support for the proposal by Interior Minister Karner (ÖVP) for an Austria-wide ban on weapons. 

Spectator Elfriede Gruber also calls for a ban on alcohol and drugs at Franz-Jonas-Platz in Floridsdorf. Ludwig waves this off for the time being.

2158 days

Michael Ludwig has been Mayor and Governor of Vienna. He was elected almost six years ago on May 24, 2018.

Inflation and traffic: "Why does a pint on Rathausplatz cost six euros?" Mayor Ludwig sees high inflation and rising prices as the biggest problem at the moment. In recent months, many people in the city have felt that their finances are getting tighter. Reader Richard Caha sees it similarly: "Financially, it's getting more and more massive: rent, food or the ORF tax and no politician speaks clear words against it. Why don't you do something!"

The head of the city referred to the measures taken so far: "As the city of Vienna, we help wherever we have had the opportunity." Ludwig mentioned the housing bonus and energy support. Rent increases in municipal housing have been suspended for two years. Some readers and viewers also gave him points for this. Gerhard Ostrzil's question caused a brief smile: "Why do you tolerate a pint of beer at Rathausplatz costing 6 euros?" Ludwig: "I don't set that price. That's a matter for the organizers." On the subject of traffic, there is a clear yes to the Lobau Tunnel, which would greatly reduce congestion in Vienna.

"Mayor's Hour" with Mayor Michael Ludwig: hundreds of Krone readers sent in their concerns, worries and needs.

(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

Care and visions: "How should healthcare be ensured for all of Vienna?" Reader Brigitte Haselbach wants to know from the mayor: "How do you want to ensure that healthcare is guaranteed for everyone despite the shortage of skilled workers in the medical and nursing sector?" "The healthcare system works very well in the city," the mayor makes clear. However, there are challenges in the healthcare sector when it comes to recruiting new staff. The city has therefore introduced the Viennese care allowance of 400 euros per month, which was recently increased to 600 euros by the federal government. The number of training places in the care sector has doubled. Fortunately, a lot is now happening here. However, it will still take two to two and a half years before the new nursing staff will be at the bedside, said Ludwig.

15-year-old Nicolas Kischner then wants to know from the mayor what Vienna will look like in 2030 and what visions he has for the city. The boy was quickly invited to join the Youth Parliament at City Hall. In any case, Vienna's high quality of life should be maintained and further developed.