The SPÖ and the ÖVP [parties] definitely agreed to form a grand coalition on 8 January 2007. This was announced by the leader of the Social Democrats (SPÖ) Alfred Gusenbauer and the party chairman of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), Federal Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel in a joint press conference.
Together with the ÖVP a “very comprehensive working programme” of about 180 pages had been developed for the next four years, said Gusenbauer. Additional financial resources would mainly be allocated to growth, employment and education.
The new government consists in a 20-member cabinet. The SPÖ will hold the Chancellorship and get the Ministries for Social Affairs, Infrastructure, Defence, Education and Art, Women’s Affairs and Justice. The ÖVP will be responsible for the Ministries of the Interior, Finance, Science, Health, Agriculture/Environment, Economy and Foreign Affairs. Each party will have three secretaries of state.
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The negotiations on the Eurofighter military jets are to be resumed to reach a more cost-favourable solution. (emphasis added)
Gusenbauer was highly pleased about the coalition agreement. The outgoing Federal Chancellor seemed to be relieved that many policies remained intact, e.g. the “first-rate conditions” for the tax system.
The new government will be sworn in by Federal President Heinz Fischer on 11 January 2007.
SPÖ and ÖVP Agreed on Grand Coalition (Excerpt)
