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The SPÖ (Social Democratic Party) defends the first place and even gained votes. The ÖVP is likely to double, also Greens and Neo’s are among the winners. SPÖ leader Ludwig can choose between three coalition partners.
It was an evening with many winners: The SPÖ could defend the first place with gains, ÖVP, Greens and Neo’s gained. And even the FPÖ, despite massive losses still have a small reason to rejoice – namely, when the biggest opponent, Heinz-Christian Strache, fails to make it into the municipal council.
SPÖ is clear winner
The SPÖ under Michael Ludwig was not only able to defend its first place – as expected – but even increased its percentage points: At his first start, Michael Ludwig achieved about 42 percent, which is more than the last result of predecessor Michael Häupl.
ÖVP is growing strongly
The ÖVP is growing strongly and makes it to second place – but one cannot be completely satisfied with the (interim) result. The high gains are not least due to the fact that they started from a historic low. From today’s perspective, the election goal of doubling the figure for 2015 (9.2 percent) could still be narrowly missed after counting the election cards.
Best result for Green
The Greens are gaining ground and are likely to achieve at least one of their two electoral goals: they will probably achieve their best result so far in Vienna – or at least equal the previous record from 2005. In 2015 the party reached 11.8 percent. The declared goal is to remain in the city government. Whether red-green will go into extra time, however, is now decided above all by SPÖ leader Michael Ludwig.
Neo’s could overtake FPÖ
The Pink Party gained ground – and could surprisingly even overtake the FPÖ in voter favor. In past elections, the Neos were strong among postal voters, which could be to their advantage. The Neos offered themselves surprisingly early in the election campaign as a small coalition partner of the SPÖ. For a long time it was unclear whether a joint majority would be mathematically possible. At least this is fixed after the election evening.
FPÖ collapses
A clear crash was always predicted for the FPÖ. But that it was so clear was surprising. The Freedom Party wanted to achieve at least a double-digit result – that is probably no longer possible, regardless of the election cards.
Several coalitions possible
Vienna’s SPÖ leader Michael Ludwig will decide on how to proceed: He can choose from three realistic coalition variants. Besides the continuation of red-green, red-turquoise or the completely new variant red-pink would be possible. Ludwig kept all options open on election evening. The fact that he has so many options strengthens him in the negotiations.
— Hector Pascua, with reports from kurier.at. Picture: screenshot, orf.at
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