Vienna SPÖ Women Send Critical Letter to Mayor Over Ruck Controversy

The women's section of the Socialist Party of Austria (SPÖ) in Vienna has penned a critical letter to Mayor Michael Ludwig regarding the "Causa Ruck" controversy. The letter expresses dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation surrounding Walter Ruck, the former head of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and the Vienna ÖVP Business Association.

Ruck resigned after making controversial statements in a private, recorded conversation. These remarks reportedly included unflattering comments about Vienna's Finance City Councilor Barbara Novak, who is also an SPÖ member. Despite the controversy and Ruck's subsequent expulsion from the ÖVP (Austrian People's Party), Mayor Ludwig had initially defended him.

The "Kurier" newspaper reported on Monday that the SPÖ women's letter indicates internal dissent within the Vienna SPÖ regarding the mayor's response. The exact contents of the letter and the specific points of criticism are not detailed, but it suggests ongoing discussions and potential disagreements within the party about how the situation was managed.