Austrian president: Continued grand coalition governance sensible solution

As coalition-building talks between Austria's federal political parties continue following the Sept. 29 legislative election, President Heinz Fischer Monday called for a continued term of the country's "grand coalition" government. Fischer said the two-party coalition between the Social Democratic Party (SPOe) and the People's Party (OeVP), traditionally the two largest parties in Austrian federal politics and who run on a centrist, pro-Europe platform, was the "sensible solution", according to a message released by ORF on Monday. Other possible coalitions were fraught with too many uncertainties, he added. Fischer said governance by the two strongest parties following the election could demonstate that the will of the voters was being understood, and appealed on the future government to show the ability to learn and to follow the best future opportunities, as well as build a sound social system. It should also uphold the "great political virtues of stability" which makes the country the envy of many. In addition it could prevent left- and right-wing populist movements from gaining too much of the spotlight, Fischer added. When asked when he expected the announcement of a new government, the president said "a fair while before Christmas."