Austria's Chancellor Christian Kern addresses the media as he arrives for a European Union leaders summit | John Thys/AFP via Getty Images Austria pushes to preference locals ahead of EU workers Social Democrats leader pledges to eliminate joblessness by 2020.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern will submit a request to the European Union to let employers prioritize locals over outsiders in hiring decisions, the BBC reported.

"These Eastern European countries are exporting their joblessness to Austria," the center-left politician said at the launch of a 10-year economic plan focused on job creation Wednesday night.

Kern's Social Democrats (SPÖ) are struggling to win back support from the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), whose ranks have swelled as a result of fears over immigration and unemployment.

"I understand your disappointment," he said, addressing SPÖ voters, Austrian newspaper Kurier reported. "You haven't strayed, we have. It is not your fault, it is ours."

Kern pledged to create 200,000 jobs — eliminating joblessness — by 2020, according to Kurier.

Independent and former Green Alexander van der Bellen narrowly defeated anti-immigration candidate Norbert Hofer in Austria's presidential race in December. It was the first presidential election not to feature the two parties that have dominated Austrian politics since World War II, the SPÖ and People's Party (ÖVP).