Speech at the party conference

Family reunification: Ludwig calls for “more resources”

(Bild: Georg Hochmuth)

The "Krone" knows the details of the Vienna mayor's speech at the SPÖ party conference: it's about security, the EU and more money for schools. And Michael Ludwig says: "No to lowering non-wage labor costs!"

On Saturday, Mayor Michael Ludwig is standing for re-election as party leader at the SPÖ provincial party conference. The "Krone" knows the content of his speech entitled "The Viennese way - politics with responsibility":

Family reunification by Syrians
Call to the federal government for more resources due to family reunification by Syrians: "Their allocation is regulated according to a completely antiquated system. What we therefore need is the introduction of an Austria-wide opportunity index at the top of the education policy agenda." He continued: "The opportunity index, as we have already implemented on a small scale in Vienna, ensures that schools receive enough funding and that those schools that face greater challenges receive additional support for funding. We need this system for the whole of Austria." And he will refer to the German offensive "to strengthen language skills among children and young people."

Only employers would benefit from a reduction in non-wage labor costs. Employees, however, would go away empty-handed.

Michael Ludwig

"No to a reduction in non-wage labor costs"
Vienna's mayor will also clearly state: "No to a reduction in non-wage labor costs." This point has its own chapter in his speech. His explanation: "The employer's contribution to health insurance, the employer's contribution to pension insurance. The trade unions have fought for this over the course of decades." Ludwig is certain that a cut would "leave no one with one euro more in their wallet". He continues: "Only the employer would benefit from a reduction in non-wage labor costs. But the employees would go away empty-handed."

Beds in Viennese refugee house

(Bild: ZWEFO)

"Viennese house rules"
On the subject of safety, the head of the city insists on the "Vienna House Rules" that he likes to quote: "In future, we will insist even more strongly that they apply equally to everyone! Where the rules of coexistence are ignored and violated, there must and will be strict consequences." As an example, he cites the weapons ban zone around Reumannplatz, including the deployment of mobile teams and "the consistent action against problem houses." In many districts, slum areas have now formed, most of which are inhabited by refugees. The city is carrying out raids against those behind the raids and wants to prevent dangerous electricity theft by residents.

"Ending dependence on gas"
In keeping with the start of the election campaign, the EU will be a major block. His speech will focus on strengthening basic social and workers' rights across Europe, ending dependence on gas and strengthening national basic security systems.

Other topics: Jobs, care, housing and climate. There will be no surprises in Ludwig's election result - his re-election.