Austria gets new government Faymann remains chancellor, Spindelegger takes finance ministry as ÖVP and SPÖ agree to continue their grand coalition.

Austria’s main parties, the centre-right People’s Party (ÖVP) and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPÖ), have agreed to continue their grand coalition, in power since 2006.

SPÖ leader Werner Faymann will remain chancellor. Michael Spindelegger, leader of the ÖVP, will keep the position of vice-chancellor.

The two party leaders announced the deal this afternoon (12 December).

The two leaders did not officially announce ministerial appointments, but several appointments have been confirmed unofficially.

Spindelegger will switch portfolios, trading foreign affairs for finance, where he replaces Maria Fekter.

Sebastian Kurz, a 27-year-old from the ÖVP who is currently state secretary for integration, takes over from Spindelegger as foreign minister. He will retain responsibility for integration.

Both parties lost votes in a general election on 29 September but retained a wafer-thin joint majority.



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