Criticism over internal-only job posting for head of Wiener Wohnen

The selection process for the new head of Wiener Wohnen, Vienna's municipal housing authority, has drawn criticism from political parties. The city is facing backlash for restricting applications for the director position to internal candidates only, a move that limits the pool of potential leaders for the administration of the city's vast public housing stock.

Both the Green Party and the People's Party (ÖVP) have voiced their disapproval, arguing that an internal-only tender unnecessarily restricts the applicant pool. This decision comes at a sensitive time, following recent speculation about the potential sale of public housing units. The city government has moved quickly to quell these rumors, issuing a firm denial.

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A sale of public housing units has never been considered or contemplated. This is not up for discussion and has never been discussed within the city government.

In response to the speculation, Mayor Michael Ludwig's office stated unequivocally that "the sale of public housing units has never been considered or contemplated. This is not up for discussion and has never been discussed within the city government." The Socialist Youth group, however, dismissed the apologies as "half-hearted" and called for the resignation of Ernst Nevrivy, a prominent figure in the district of Donaustadt, who was perceived to have made remarks that fueled the sale speculation. Wiener Wohnen manages a significant portion of Vienna's housing, making the leadership selection and housing policy a critical issue for the city.

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I unconditionally commit to socially subsidized housing construction in Vienna.