New Austrian grand coalition government formed. State visit by President Fischer to Israel
Less then two months after the general elections were held on 28 September, Austria's two major parties, the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the People's Party (ÖVP) have sucessfully finalized their coalition talks and formally announced a newly formed grand coalition government yesterday. The new Austrian government will be sworn in on 2 December by Federal President Dr Heinz Fischer, just a few days ahead from his official State visit to Israel. The new coalition agreement will put the two party heads Social Democrat Werner Faymann and Josef Pröll of the People's Party in the chancellor and vice-chancellor seats, respectively. The new Government will, beside the chancellor, comprise 13 ministers and 4 state-secretaries.
Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik will not be part of the new government. Her position will be taken over by Michael Spindelegger (ÖVP), so far second president of the Austrian Parliament. "This is the right choice and the best solution," stated Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik, commenting on the decision by Party Leader Josef Pröll to propose Michael Spindelegger for the post of foreign minister.
"As the Austrian People’s Party’s spokesman on foreign policy matters in the National Council and as Parliament’s Second President, Michael Spindelegger has been acknowledged and appreciated for his personality and competence. He is an experienced and distinguished expert on European and International policy. During his work in the European Parliament and in the Council of Europe he has built up a strong network of contacts. Michael Spindelegger is a quiet and committed fighter for our common Europe," continued the Minister.
"I am handing over an important office into good hands. I wish Michael Spindelegger the best of success and plenty of strength for his new and challenging task for Austria, Europe and the international community of states," concluded Plassnik.
The Federal President of Austria will be in Israel from 14 to 17 December on an official State visit. He will hold official talks with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ehud Barak as well as the Leader of the Opposition Benjamin Netanyahu. President Fischer will be accompanied by a large delegation including the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger, the Austrian Federal Minister of Defence Norbert Darabos, the Austrian Federal Minister of Education and Culture and Arts Claudia Schmied, the Governor of the Province of Burgenland Hans Niessl, representatives from the Austrian business, science and culture community as well as from the Austrian Jewish Community.
The official programe includes a visit to Yad Vashem, a visit to the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, participation at the Austrian-Israeli business forum, a wreath laying at the Rabin Memorial, a joint ceremony with Austrian survivors from the Shoah with participation of the Israel Chamber Orchestra, the conferment of a honorary Doctorate by the Tel Aviv University and the opening of an Exhibition of contemporary Austrian art at the Genia Schreiber University Art Gallery.
