Application to Neos

45 Viennese want to become municipal councillors “overnight”

From zero to local councillor in a few days: dozens of Viennese find this Neos offer tempting.(Bild: Martin A. Jöchl)

The NEOS are also holding a "public primary" for this year's Vienna elections for local councillors and district representatives - and are themselves surprised by the rush: 45 people in the city dream of a career as an instant politician. And at least one example shows that it can happen.

No sign of disenchantment with politics: in the last few days, 45 Viennese have registered with the NEOS for the "public primary election" to become a local councillor in a cold start. In addition, there are 15 solidarity candidacies from people who want to campaign for a specific other candidate.

NEOS maintain their tradition of transparency
For years, the NEOS have upheld the free choice of candidates, sometimes derided as a "political lottery", as a party tradition in line with their claim to transparency. From leader Christoph Wiederkehr downwards, everyone has to go through the pre-election process, in which there is a "public vote" and an "expert jury": People can vote for candidates online on the pre-election platform until February 21, with the NEOS state team also submitting their points on the same day. The list ranking will be finalized at the provincial general assembly the following day.

In 2020, Dolores Bakos became a politician "overnight" thanks to the pre-election system.(Bild: Stadt Wien / Christian Jobst)

The NEOS membership of the local council shows that it doesn't hurt to be anchored in the party to pursue a career there. However, Dolores Bakos at least proves that the public pre-election is more than just a marketing stunt. Although she got involved with the young NEOS for a short time, she was ultimately able to win over the party without the help of the party apparatus in 2020 and has been on the municipal council ever since - as have 14 other NEOS newcomers in the district councils.

Field of candidates across the vegetable garden
This year's 45 candidates have little in common other than their desire for a political career: from successful entrepreneurs to scientists and migration experts, their professions range from 26-year-olds to 72-year-olds, from long-established Viennese to people with roots from Hungary to the Balkans to China, from students to pensioners. "This diversity enriches our pre-election process and reflects social diversity," says NEOS, proud of the interest across all social and age groups.

NEOS Vienna regional manager Philipp Kern sees his party as primarily responsible for ensuring that "fresh ideas and reforms as well as new faces enter politics". However, the number of candidates this year also surprises the NEOS themselves: Due to the Vienna election being brought forward, there were only twelve days to register this year, compared to 45 days four years ago. Nevertheless, the number of candidates is almost the same as then. You can still apply to be a district councillor until February 7.