The round of exploratory talks following the Vienna city election has begun, with the SPÖ and NEOS holding their first meeting on Wednesday. SPÖ state party leader and mayor Michael Ludwig welcomed the current coalition partner to his office in the early afternoon. After the meeting, both parties described the talks as constructive.

Alongside Ludwig, SPÖ party secretary Barbara Novak and parliamentary group leader Josef Taucher attended the talks. Representing NEOS were state party spokesperson and Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr, Deputy Mayor Bettina Emmerling, parliamentary leader Selma Arapovic, and state manager Philipp Kern.

NEOS Express Desire to Continue Coalition

“We’re entering into open conversations,” Wiederkehr said upon arrival, also expressing a clear interest in continuing the coalition. He emphasized the good cooperation with the SPÖ over the past few years.

Following the roughly one-hour meeting, both parties praised the discussion. The atmosphere was described as positive and constructive. The two sides exchanged views on the city’s key future issues.

Talks with Greens and ÖVP Still to Come

In theory, Ludwig could form a coalition with any party represented in Vienna’s city hall. He plans to invite the Greens and the ÖVP for talks as well, as announced on Monday. However, no dates have been confirmed yet. A meeting with the FPÖ is not planned, and this has already been made clear.