Vienna in Election Fever: Parties Woo Voters with Gifts and Campaigns
Vienna will elect a new municipal council or state parliament and district representatives on April 27. That the election campaign is in full swing is unmistakable. Countless posters and triangular stands adorn the city. It is also hard to escape the parties on the internet and social media. Personal contact is also emphasized - as well as small gifts.
Anyone who roams the streets of Vienna currently almost inevitably encounters people who - more or less color-coordinated with their party - distribute gifts. In addition to brochures and postcards, classics like pens, lighters, balloons, or beer mats are on offer. But there are also more unusual attentions. The giveaways sometimes feature slogans specifically tailored to the gift.
Vote Catching for the Vienna Election with Honey, Dog Food, and Wooden Spoons
"The planet is our most precious," can be read on the bicycle seat covers of the Greens. "We stir things up," promise the Blues on specially branded wooden spoons. "We are passionate about Vienna," swears the SPÖ. This can be found on small jars of honey.
The ÖVP distributes, among other things, bags with the inscription "For loyal companions." In this case, it refers not only to long-time supporters but also to four-legged friends - as the bag contains dog food. The fruit gummies from the NEOS, on the other hand, are intended for two-legged friends who can enjoy a compliment. "Honestly. You are sweet," can be read on them.
The KPÖ also advertises with honesty. "Honestly different" is what their campaign gifts say. The former FPÖ leader Heinz Christian Strache, on the other hand, assures on the Team HC greeting cards that he has changed. "Mature! Better! Strache!" he shares on them.
Vienna Plastered with Election Posters
The first waves of posters and online campaigns have already swept across the city. The SPÖ is fully relying on their party leader and top candidate, Mayor Michael Ludwig. The central slogan is: "It's about Vienna." The ÖVP counters with the statement "Those who truly love Vienna vote ÖVP." Meanwhile, the Greens are urging the city and the people of Vienna to have "courage."
The NEOS are focusing on "Honest with each other" - and on a slogan used multiple times: Because "You don't just vote for yourself" is part of both their and the Greens' repertoire. The FPÖ promises "Five good years," provided they come to power in Vienna.
5 Million Euro Spending Cap for Parties in Vienna Election 2025
The parties are not allowed to spend as much money as before in the Vienna Election 2025. Red-Pink has reduced the election advertising spending cap from 6 to 5 million euros as stipulated in the government program. The new regulation was part of a transparency package. Therefore, only 5 million euros per party can be spent on advertising before an election.
Reports on this are mandatory. These must list the expenses. Almost all parties are already providing information about the planned funds. Only the FPÖ remains silent on this for now.
The budget list reflects the proportions in the city parliament. The SPÖ has budgeted 5 million euros, ÖVP and Greens each 3.5 million euros. The NEOS have allocated 3 million euros for their campaign.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.