On Sunday 11 October, the city of Vienna in Austria held municipal council elections. ALDE Party member NEOS ran in the elections, led by lead candidate Christoph Wiederkehr.

In the run up to the elections, NEOS put together a clear programme that highlighted the party’s vision to improve the city’s economy and education, with a strong focus on aspects such as clean air and green mobility. One of Wiederkehr’s goals was to counterbalance the polarising rhetoric of current Austrian politics, in which he succeeded. Surpassing the populist far-right party FPÖ (Freedom Party Austria) that gained 7.5%, NEOS is now the fourth biggest party in the municipal council with 8.1% which translates into 9 seats.

European Women's Academy (EWA) alumna Selma Arapovic was among the elected representatives.

NEOS party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger reacted to the result on social media, dubbing the news as “sensational”. Claudia Gamon MEP also celebrated the result.

Ihr habt meinen Schrei eben in ganz Wien gehört?! Vor der FPÖ!!! 8,1% 9 Mandate statt 5! Sensationell @chriswiederkehr @NeosWien pic.twitter.com/b2TV8FTQmG

— Beate Meinl-Reisinger (@BMeinl) October 11, 2020

YESSSSS 🥳🥳 @NeosWien https://t.co/hYVfnizhav pic.twitter.com/VS7eCGGLND

— dieGamon (@dieGamon) October 11, 2020

DANKE für das großartige Ergebnis! 🎉🎊🙏 pic.twitter.com/V4tByEIEwO

— Christoph Wiederkehr (@chriswiederkehr) October 11, 2020

Incumbent mayor, social democrat Michael Ludwig won 41.7% of the votes which means he can start inviting coalition partners to form a new municipal government.

Photo credit: NEOS