"Visible Sign": Vienna Also Wants Zero Salary Increase for Politicians' Salaries

This was announced by Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) on Tuesday on the sidelines of the municipal council in a conversation with media representatives. The measure is intended to be a "visible sign" that they want to contribute to budget consolidation. It will apply to everyone who holds a political mandate.

Vienna had increased the salaries last year

Ludwig announced that he wants to discuss the zero salary round with all factions. He hopes for a unanimous decision, he said. The city parliament still has to approve the step, as the increase must be formally suspended according to the applicable adjustment factor.

Around 960,000 euros in savings

Calculations on the budgetary impact have already been carried out. Through the measure, Vienna will save additional costs of around 960,000 euros annually in 2026 and in the following years, a city hall spokesperson announced in the afternoon.

Last year, Vienna had still increased the salaries. For the coming year, only Upper Austria has announced this so far. There, politicians' salaries will be increased by 3.3 percent from July 1, in line with civil servants. In Burgenland, the decision was still pending recently. All other states have also ordered a zero salary round.

The coalition partner of the Vienna SPÖ, the NEOS, emphasized via a statement that it is "self-evident" that politics should make its contribution. "The zero salary round sets a clear signal in budgetarily challenging times," said club chairwoman Selma Arapovic.

(APA/Red)

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