Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig has called for increased police presence in the Austrian capital following a series of armed confrontations.

In an interview with the newspaper Die Presse published on Wednesday, Ludwig acknowledged Vienna’s overall safety but stressed the need for a robust response to recent violent incidents.

There have been at least four serious armed conflicts across Vienna this month, with multiple injuries but no reported fatalities.

Currently, Vienna’s police force falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, which has been reluctant to increase officer numbers in the city – an issue Ludwig is keen to address.

“If appeals [for more police officers] prove ineffective, I would support bringing the police under the control of the City of Vienna, similar to emergency services,” Ludwig asserted. “Many officers are trained in Vienna but deployed in other federal states.”

Ludwig also proposed expanding the Einsatzteam Wien, a rapid response unit for immediate threats. While lacking full police powers, the unit can disperse illegal gatherings, inspect large-scale accommodations, and assist emergency services.

Ludwig’s stance drew criticism from Vienna’s branch of the People’s Party (ÖVP). Vienna ÖVP chief Karl Mahrer argued, “The call for additional police presence appears to divert attention from the root causes of rising crime and violence.”

Mahrer urged Ludwig to prioritise integration policies to reduce Vienna’s attractiveness as a destination for immigration, rather than seeking direct control over the police.