Ernst Nevrivy, the SPÖ district head for Donaustadt, faces a public call for his resignation from the Sozialistische Jugend (SJ) Wien following leaked remarks regarding the potential sale of municipal housing. According to reports from the “Krone” and “profil,” Nevrivy discussed selling municipal apartments during a meeting with Walter Ruck, the former president of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce who has since resigned.
Socialist Youth Demand Resignation Over Privatization Remarks
Lena Stern, chairwoman of the Sozialistische Jugend Wien, issued the resignation demand on Friday via Instagram, stating that half-hearted apologies do not suffice and that the district head must step down, as reported by ORF Wien. Stern stated that attacking municipal housing and discussing privatization behind closed doors has no place in “Red Vienna.” According to the article, Stern noted that she contacted Nevrivy personally before issuing the public call to share the youth organization’s stance. Stern added that the committees of the SPÖ Vienna are scheduled to meet in September to discuss the controversy. Nevrivy’s office informed ORF on Saturday that it would not comment on the youth organization’s social media post.
Controversial Statements on Vienna Municipal Housing
The controversy stems from reported statements made during Nevrivy’s meeting with Walter Ruck. According to media reports, Nevrivy remarked that municipal apartments are essentially social housing now, but that Vienna does not require 220,000 such units, suggesting that 100,000 or 150,000 would be sufficient.
When questioned by ORF Wien, Nevrivy stated that he could not remember the exact wording of the recordings, which he described as illegally made. He emphasized his unconditional commitment to socially subsidized housing in Vienna and maintained that he never discussed potential privatization of municipal buildings with investors, noting that he holds no administrative competencies in that sector.
Response from Political Youth Organizations
The Sozialistische Jugend Wien defended public housing as the core of Red Vienna, pointing out that municipal buildings have provided affordable housing and social security for over 100 years. The organization stressed that privatization must remain off the table, particularly during a period when housing costs continue to rise. While opposition parties have also voiced heavy criticism over the remarks, Nevrivy reiterated earlier this week that new social housing projects remain indispensable to the city.