Suche
Mein Konto
Greens warn: Is free kindergarten in Vienna in danger?
The Greens in Vienna are calling for the preservation of free kindergarten, while government parties have ruled out abolishing it.
Greens warn: Is free kindergarten in Vienna in danger?
On October 8, 2025, the discussion about free kindergarten in Vienna caused a stir. Six years ago, in 2019, the tenth anniversary of this important offer was celebrated, with Mayor Michael Ludwig and City Councilor for Education Jürgen Czernohorszky (both SPÖ) in attendance. Now the Green Party is concerned about the future of free kindergarten. Party leader Judith Pühringer in particular expresses concerns that this institution could possibly be abolished. The trigger for the debate was a proposal from the Greens in the local council, which was intended to ensure the preservation of the free kindergarten.
Reactions to the proposal are divided: While the opposition agreed to the proposal, the governing parties SPÖ and Neos rejected the initiative. Despite the rejection, the governing parties assure that the provision of free kindergarten will remain guaranteed. This should be seen above all against the background of the concerns of the Greens, who fear negative effects on children's German skills if the measure is actually canceled.
Public discussion about child care
Julia Malle, women's spokeswoman for the Green Party, emphasizes that child care must be viewed as a public good. This is a central demand of the Greens, who firmly reject a social staggering of kindergarten contributions. The governing parties are rather cautious about the issue. City Councilor for Finance Barbara Novak (SPÖ) refers to the ongoing budget creation process, while City Councilor for Education Bettina Emmerling (Neos) emphasizes that the abolition of the free kindergarten is not up for debate.
These developments cast a shadow on the previous success story of free kindergarten, which is considered an important foundation for early childhood education in Vienna. How the discussion will develop remains to be seen and could have far-reaching consequences for the families affected.
Further information on the background and the current situation is available here courier and ORF available.