SPÖ women send critical letter to Vienna mayor over Ruck

According to Austrian broadcaster ORF, the Vienna SPÖ women’s organisation has sent Mayor Michael Ludwig a critical letter following the resignation of Chamber of Commerce President Walter Ruck. The report, citing the Kurier newspaper, says the letter reflects unresolved concerns within the SPÖ.

The Kurier said it had not seen the letter but quoted several SPÖ officials as saying that many women in the city party had expected Ludwig to respond clearly to Ruck’s statements.

The letter was reportedly signed by members of the Vienna SPÖ women’s presidium, including chairwoman Marina Hanke, former deputy mayor Kathrin Gaál, housing councillor Elke Hanel-Torsch, National Council member Petra Bayr and Saya Ahmad, district head of Alsergrund, Vienna’s ninth district.

The Austrian Press Agency has not confirmed that the letter was sent or received, or verified its contents. According to the Kurier, Ludwig has not yet replied. His office told the newspaper that he would hold a personal meeting with the presidium of the Vienna SPÖ women’s organisation after the holiday period.

Ludwig did not criticise Ruck

Ruck had made unflattering comments about Vienna’s finance councillor Barbara Novak of the SPÖ in a recorded private conversation. Excerpts from the conversation were provided to several media outlets months later.

It later emerged that two SPÖ officials had also been present: Ernst Nevrivy, the SPÖ district head of Donaustadt, and Marko Fischer, head of Vienna’s SPÖ business association, the SWV.

After the first transcripts became public, Ludwig told the Austrian Press Agency that he did not know the wording of the conversations because he had not been present. He said he knew Ruck as a careful and trusted discussion partner. After Ruck resigned, Ludwig thanked him in a statement for their “many years of cooperation”.