Austria's new elections likely in September

The political sparring began with Vice Chancellor Wilhelm Molterer, leader of the conservative Peoples Party, calling Monday morning for new elections.

 

Within hours, the Social Democrats appeared to have accepted the challenge by presenting their top candidate for the campaign, Transportation Minister Werner Faymann. Â

 

Early national elections appear likely to be held in mid-to-late September. Parliament was expected to take the necessary steps to authorize the election within days.

 

The two parties have been bickering since forging their "grand coalition" in early 2007 following the October 2006 elections that gave the Social Democrats a slight lead.

 

"The truth is that they (the Peoples Party) never accepted the October 2006 election results," said Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer of the Social Democrats.

 

Speculation about new elections had circulated for some time, with a main point of contention being an apparent EU policy reversal by the Social Democratic leadership.

 

In an open letter published late last month by the tabloid Kronen Zeitung, Gusenbauer and Faymann said they would seek referendums on future changes to the EUs reform treaty that pertain to Austrian interests, as well as Turkeys possible accession to the 27-nation bloc.

 

Austria’s parliament had ratified the treaty in April - a move Gusenbauer had supported back then.

 

But Gusenbauer, whose popularity has plummeted amid dissatisfaction from members of his own party, said he had a change of heart about the EU treaty, citing the results of a recent study showing that only 28 percent of Austrians have a positive image of the EU.

 

His unexpected announcement in the tabloid, co-signed by Faymann, angered the Peoples Party.

 

Molterer said he would recommend early elections with senior Peoples Party officials Tuesday. He accused the Social Democrats of being self-centered and lacking leadership and direction.

 

"Good work in Austria’s federal government ... is no longer possible," he said at a hastily called news conference. "I therefore recommend immediate, prompt new elections."

 

"I cannot watch - and cannot permit - the (Social Democrats) crisis ... becomes a crisis for Austria," Molterer said.

 

Photo: AP