Discussion session on city concerns with Mikl-Leitner, Ludwig, Schneeberger and Stadler
Wiener Neustadt/Vienna (OTS) – After the ceremonial opening of the 73rd Austrian Cities Day in Wiener Neustadt by City Association President Mayor Michael Ludwig, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, an entertaining political talk took place with moderator Christa Kummer (ORF). State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, City Association President Michael Ludwig, Klaus Schneeberger, Vice President and Mayor of the host city of Wiener Neustadt and Matthias Stadler, Mayor of St. Pölten and City Association Chairman of the Lower Austria regional group discussed the concerns and challenges of the cities and municipalities.
Mikl-Leitner: “EU can learn from mayors”
President of the Association of Cities Michael Ludwig It was important to emphasize that municipalities must be able to invest. Cities and communities are the most important economic drivers in the regions and create numerous jobs, said Ludwig. Serious concerns of the population must be addressed at all levels with problem-solving skills, said Ludwig. The President of the Association of Cities emphasized that the possibility of participation is particularly high in cities and municipalities and that decisions are made “particularly close to the people”. The existing model of democracy in Austria and Europe must be defended, appealed Ludwig with regard to the upcoming electoral decisions.
Governor Johanna Mikl Leitner attested that local politics had a great role model function: “The European Union can learn a lot from the mayors. When they tackle tasks, they do it with common sense, common sense and citizen-centeredness – and, above all, without a lot of bureaucracy.”
Schneeberger: “Local politics that resonates with people”
The mayor of St. Pölten Matthias Stadler emphasized: “The changing challenges from Covid to inflation show how much we are constantly challenged to innovate. That costs money. I don’t want to see us having to cut back on public services, for example.” He again called for an adjustment to the vertical distribution key because, according to Stadler: “One-off payments are good, but they are not the solution that cities and municipalities need in the long term Worries freed.”
The mayor of Wiener Neustadt and host Klaus Schneeberger concluded: “We need common sense, love and an open ear day and night, then we can make local politics that resonate with the people.”
Hirn: “Needs people with visions”, Reisner: “Be a role model”
The philosopher Lisz Hirn and the military expert Markus Reisner then talked to each other.
Markus Reisner said that the city of Wiener Neustadt is associated with many well-known names, including Friedrich III, Maximilian and Maria Theresia, founder of the military academy located here.
Lisz brain confirmed that personalities with visions have always shaped cities: “These were always people who saw a vision that was worth standing up for. Who were also able to convey a vision to others that things could get better – in terms of quality of life, in terms of good, peaceful coexistence – those who can achieve this can make a big difference. This requires a sense of responsibility, a sense of proportion and a sense of justice – skills that you definitely have to develop.” In this sense, Markus Reisner appealed to the audience: “Be a role model, be a point of direction that can radiate confidence!”
Further course of the city day:
Tomorrow, June 6, 2024 Among other things, five working groups form the program of the 73rd Austrian Association of Cities. The topics are elementary education, recruiting employees, cities as regional centers, strategic procurement and sport.
On Friday, June 7, 2024 Two days before the European elections, the Austrian candidates Reinhold Lopatka (ÖVP), Andreas Schieder (SPÖ), Peter Schmiedlechner (FPÖ), Lena Schilling (The Greens) and Helmut Brandstätter (NEOS) will discuss the most important European policy issues under the moderation of Hannelore Veit Questions that also affect cities and communities.
The Video to check it out Livestream The entire event and further information can be found at www.staedtetag.at
Constantly current Photos (Copyright Städtebund/Markus Wache) for download at: www.picdrop.de/markuswache/Staedtetag_2024
Follow us on social media Facebook @Austrian Association of Cities, X @staedtebund and LinkedIn @Austrian Association of Cities #cityday2024
(Forts.)
Questions & Contact:
Elisabeth Hirt, Austrian Association of Cities
Tel.: 0676 8118 89990
elisabeth.hirt@staedtebund.gv.at
Katharina Kunz, Austrian Association of Cities
Tel.: 0676 8118 89983
katharina.kunz@staedtebund.gv.at
Michael Krause, City of Vienna – Communication and Media
Tel.: 0676 8118 81041
michael.krause@wien.gv.at
Thomas Iwanschitz
Press spokesman for the city of Wiener Neustadt
Tel.: 0676 8837 33310
Email: thomas.iwanschitz@wiener-neustadt.at