Goobergunchia
25-04-2004, 21:48
Fischer to be Austrian president
Opposition candidate Heinz Fischer has been elected Austrian President - the first Social Democrat to hold the largely ceremonial post since 1986.
Mr Fischer won 52.4% of the vote in Sunday's election - against 47.59% for the conservative candidate, Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
His victory indicates dissatisfaction with the coalition government, says the BBC's Bethany Bell in Vienna.
Mrs Ferrero-Waldner was nominated by Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel's party.
With the backing of the far-right as well, she had hoped to become the first female president since Austria was reformed as a republic in 1955.
She says she will continue as foreign minister.
Social welfare
During the campaign Mr Fischer - a senior opposition parliamentarian - promised to focus on domestic issues such as the country's youth and security for the elderly.
Ferrero-Waldner says she will continue as foreign minister
He stressed his commitment to Austria's neutrality and to the country's welfare state.
Turnout was well under 70% - a low result for Austria.
The Austrian president has the power to refuse to swear people in as ministers if he or she disapproves of their appointment.
Far-right Freedom Party leader Joerg Haider came out in favour of Ms Ferrero-Waldner, reportedly giving her a live pig for good luck during a campaign stop in the southern province of Carinthia, where he is governor.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3657959.stm
Opposition candidate Heinz Fischer has been elected Austrian President - the first Social Democrat to hold the largely ceremonial post since 1986.
Mr Fischer won 52.4% of the vote in Sunday's election - against 47.59% for the conservative candidate, Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
His victory indicates dissatisfaction with the coalition government, says the BBC's Bethany Bell in Vienna.
Mrs Ferrero-Waldner was nominated by Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel's party.
With the backing of the far-right as well, she had hoped to become the first female president since Austria was reformed as a republic in 1955.
She says she will continue as foreign minister.
Social welfare
During the campaign Mr Fischer - a senior opposition parliamentarian - promised to focus on domestic issues such as the country's youth and security for the elderly.
Ferrero-Waldner says she will continue as foreign minister
He stressed his commitment to Austria's neutrality and to the country's welfare state.
Turnout was well under 70% - a low result for Austria.
The Austrian president has the power to refuse to swear people in as ministers if he or she disapproves of their appointment.
Far-right Freedom Party leader Joerg Haider came out in favour of Ms Ferrero-Waldner, reportedly giving her a live pig for good luck during a campaign stop in the southern province of Carinthia, where he is governor.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3657959.stm