In this week’s Inside Austria, we look at Vienna’s upcoming elections and why even EU citizens have an important role to play. We also get ready for Labour Day and check out practical stories you might have missed this week.

Inside Austria is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points, and gossip in Austria that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday, and members can receive it directly in their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.

Why Vienna’s local elections matter – even if you can’t vote

This Sunday, April 27th, Vienna will hold its municipal and district council elections. If you’ve been living in the city for a while, you’ve probably seen the posters, slogans, and street campaigning intensify over the past weeks.

But here’s the catch: while EU citizens can vote for district councils, only Austrian citizens are allowed to vote for the municipal (city) government. That means around 35 percent of Vienna’s adult residents – more than 600,000 people – are excluded from choosing who governs the city. This has sparked strong criticism from rights groups, who argue that a modern European city should not leave so many taxpayers and long-term residents without a voice.

Even if you can’t vote, the election will shape daily life in Vienna. From housing policies to education, public transport to social services, the decisions made by the next city council and mayor will affect everyone living here.

The SPÖ (Social Democrats) are expected to remain the strongest party, but challenges are coming from the ÖVP (conservatives), the Greens, NEOS (liberals), and especially the FPÖ (far-right), which has surged in national polls. Local issues like rent control, integration policies, and Vienna’s financial management are major campaign topics.

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If you’re an EU citizen and registered in Vienna, you can still vote in your district council election – a good way to make your voice heard at a local level. Polls will be open from 7am to 5pm on Sunday.

Useful vocabulary for Vienna’s local elections


Gemeinderatswahl – municipal (city council) election
Bezirksvertretungswahl – district council election
Wahlberechtigung – voting eligibility
Stimmzettel – ballot paper
Wahllokal – polling station
Wählerverzeichnis – voter register

Labour Day in Austria: A celebration with deep roots

On May 1st, Austria celebrates Tag der Arbeit – Labour Day – a public holiday that goes beyond simply giving people a day off.

The tradition is deeply rooted in the workers’ rights movement and remains strongly associated with Austria’s Social Democratic Party (SPÖ). Across the country, particularly in Vienna, thousands gather for parades, speeches, and festivities. The most famous event is the SPÖ’s rally at Wiener Rathausplatz (City Hall Square), where the party leaders deliver speeches focusing on workers’ rights, social issues, and equality.

But it’s not just a political day. For many Austrians, May 1st is also a day to enjoy spring weather, attend folk festivals (Volksfeste), and spend time with family and friends. Traditional Maypole celebrations (Maibaumfest) are common in rural areas, where communities raise a decorated tree, dance, and celebrate the coming of summer.

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Important:


As May 1st is a national holiday, expect most businesses, shops, and offices to be closed.
Public transport runs on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
Major supermarkets may be closed or operate on special holiday hours.

If you’re planning to attend any Labour Day events, expect large crowds in central Vienna and some road closures around Rathausplatz.

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What we’ve been covering this week

We’ve been busy at The Local Austria bringing you important updates, practical tips and insights into life here. Here’s a quick roundup of what you might have missed:


Do I need to wear a helmet when riding a bike or e-bike in Austria?

Austria’s helmet rules might surprise newcomers: they’re far more relaxed than in many other countries. But be careful—if you’re involved in an accident, not wearing one can still have legal consequences.

Read more here
From schools to holidays: How the Vatican still influences life in Austria

Did you know Austria still has a formal agreement with the Vatican that affects areas like education and military chaplaincy? We explain this surprising slice of Austrian legal history.

Read more here
Austrians have more money – so why aren’t they spending it?

Inflation is cooling and wages are rising, but Austrians are saving, not spending. We look into why consumer confidence remains low—and what that means for the economy.

Read more here
Tick season in Austria: How to protect yourself from TBE and Lyme disease

As tick season kicks off, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your family. We cover vaccination options, prevention tips, and what to watch out for.

Read more here