Hahn portfolio sparks mixed reactions

Vienna. The nomination of Science Minister Johan- nes Hahn as next EU Commissioner for Regional Policy provoked mixed reactions from politicians. The government have lau- ded the appointment as a success. ÖVP Vice Chancel- lor Josef Pröll said: "We achieved the best possible option for Austria.” Pröll described the department outgoing Science Minister Hahn is set to head as a "future portfolio”. SPÖ Chancellor Werner Fay- mann said: "I am proud the many conversations I held over the issue paid off eventually for Austria.” The BZÖ was less euphoric. The opposition party said the country had been "relega- ted from the Champions League to an amateur lea- gue” after being assigned to "strong departments” in the past. The BZÖ was referring to Franz Fischler’s heading of the Agriculture Depart- ment from 1995 up until Benita Ferrero-Waldner to- ok over the External Rela- tions and European Neigh- bourhood Policy Depart- ment in 2004. The BZÖ clai- med the government had ensured Austria had beco- me the EU’s "laughing stock” after its debate over who to nominate.

Printausgabe vom 27.11.2009