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President Fischer has support of two in three Austrians
By Thomas Hochwarter
Almost two thirds of Austrians are satisfied with incumbent president Heinz Fischer, a new poll has shown just days after the 71-year-old announced he would run for a second term in office.
Pollsters OGM said today (Weds) 71 per cent of people in their study said they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with Fischer, who beat the conservative People’s Party’s (ÖVP) candidate Benita Ferrero-Waldner in the 2004 presidential elections.
OGM said 45 per cent they were "satisfied" while 26 per cent were "very satisfied" with Fischer.
The public opinion agency added people supporting the Greens in general elections showed the highest support for the former Social Democratic (SPÖ) parliament president (87 per cent).
Analysts had expected Graz-born Fischer to run for a second term in office, but he ended months of speculation on Monday when he announced his decision in a video message posted on the internet.
Fischer claimed he had not revealed his decision earlier to avoid a "lengthy and straining campaign" for the elections which are set to take place in April 2010.
Speaking about why he had decided to run for a second term, he claimed he had been encouraged by "many people with different political beliefs".
Fischer said he wanted to become a "bridge builder" for the country and its people.
Meanwhile a committee featuring popular and influential Austrian personalities has been set up to publicly support the incumbent president.
The "Für Österreich" (For Austria) group already has 40 members, including journalism legend Hugo Portisch, singer Willi Resetarits, former Greens leader Freda Meissner-Blau, extreme mountain climber Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner and scientist Anton Zeilinger.
Austrian Times
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Roffey wrote on 25. 11. 2009 from Vienna
Austrian Times 6.10.2009 International Jewish organisation BÂ’nai BÂ’rith (Sons of the Covenant) has launched a stinging attack on Austrian officials over their approach to Iran. Austrian BÂ’nai BÂ’rith President Victor E. Wagner said today (Tues) in an open letter to Austrian President Heinz Fischer that no Austrians should have remained present during Iranian President Mahmoud AhmadinejadÂ’s speech to the UN General Assembly in New York last month. Wagner, who claimed Israel was in a defensive fight for its existence, said: "Given that both you and your wife have Jewish ancestors, such a gaffe has to be decisively opposed. We know from history that a policy of appeasement of a criminal regime cannot succeed." Austrian Jewish Community (IKG) President Ariel Muzicant has also criticised Austrian policy towards Iran. He recently said: "Austria has contented itself with small, symbolic protest gestures to avoid endangering Austrian firmsÂ’ business in Iran. Such business and Austrian policy help the anti-Semitic regime and its nuclear programme remain in existence." Schade. Is this office necessary ? The BP has a higher salary than President Obama. Austria should be more supportive to Israel.
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