Vienna State Parliament debates canceled culture tax

The Vienna State Parliament convened on September 22, 2026, for its first session following the summer break. A primary focus of the debate was the previously canceled “culture tax,” a proposed levy on cultural tickets originally planned by SPÖ Councilor Veronica Kaup-Hasler but later rejected by Mayor Michael Ludwig.

During the session, the ÖVP used the “Aktuelle Stunde” parliamentary instrument to challenge the decision. While the specific tax was scrapped, SPÖ Finance Councilor Barbara Novak indicated that the administration has not ruled out alternative forms of revenue, such as a general budgetary levy.

In response, ÖVP leaders Markus Figl and Judith Edelmann criticized the potential for “label switching,” arguing that any new levy under a different name would still constitute a burden on citizens. They called for the administration to focus on expenditure efficiency and clear priorities rather than seeking new revenue sources to address the city's financial situation.