Werner Faymann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Werner Faymann
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Faymann in 2015
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| 24th Chancellor of Austria | |
| In office 2 December 2008 – 9 May 2016 |
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| President | Heinz Fischer |
| Vice-Chancellor | Josef Pröll Michael Spindelegger Reinhold Mitterlehner |
| Preceded by | Alfred Gusenbauer |
| Succeeded by | Christian Kern |
| Chair of the Social Democratic Party | |
| In office 8 August 2008 – 9 May 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Alfred Gusenbauer |
| Succeeded by | Christian Kern |
| Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology | |
| In office 11 January 2007 – 2 December 2008 |
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| Chancellor | Alfred Gusenbauer |
| Preceded by | Hubert Gorbach |
| Succeeded by | Doris Bures |
| Member of the National Council | |
| In office 29 October 2013 – 16 December 2013 |
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| Nominated by | Himself |
| Affiliation | Social Democratic Party |
| In office 28 October 2008 – 2 December 2008 |
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| Nominated by | Himself |
| Affiliation | Social Democratic Party |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 May 1960 Vienna, Austria |
| Political party | Social Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Martina Ludwig |
| Children | 2 |
| Signature |  |
Werner Faymann (born 4 May 1960) is an Austrian former politician. He served as the Chancellor of Austria and the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) from 2008 to 2016. He stepped down from both roles in May 2016.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Werner Faymann was born in Vienna, Austria. He went to school there and later studied at the University of Vienna. His studies included law, political science, and art history.
Faymann is Roman Catholic. He is married and has two children.
Political Career Beginnings
In 1981, Faymann became a leader of the Socialist Youth group in Vienna. From 1985 to 1988, he worked as an advisor for a bank called Zentralsparkasse. This bank was closely connected to Vienna's city government, which was run by his political party.
After working at the bank, Faymann became the director of a group that helped tenants in Vienna. Later, he became a member of Vienna's state parliament and city council. In these roles, he worked on projects related to housing and improving the city.
Minister of Transport (2007–2008)
Faymann became the Minister for Transport, Innovation, and Technology in 2007. He served in the government led by Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer. He was also chosen to help coordinate the government's work.
People soon saw Faymann as a likely future leader. In June 2008, Chancellor Gusenbauer decided to step down as party leader. On 16 June 2008, Faymann took over as the head of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ). He then led the party in the special elections held in September 2008.
Before the election, Faymann and Gusenbauer wrote a public letter to a major newspaper, the Kronen Zeitung. In the letter, they announced a change in their party's view on new European Union agreements. This caused some debate within the party because the decision was made without involving other party members.
The pro-EU Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) ended their partnership with Faymann's party, which led to the new elections. Faymann had a good relationship with the newspaper editor, who supported him in the election campaign. Even though the SPÖ lost some seats, they still won more seats (57) and votes (29.26%) than the Austrian People's Party (51 seats, 25.98%). After the election, Faymann formed a new government with the Austrian People's Party, just as he had promised.
Chancellor of Austria (2008–2016)
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As the leader of the party with the most votes, Werner Faymann was asked by President Heinz Fischer to form a new government on 8 October 2008.
A partnership between the SPÖ and the ÖVP was agreed upon on 23 November 2008. The new government officially started on 2 December 2008.
In 2013, there were questions about whether Faymann and an aide had influenced state-owned companies to place advertisements promoting him. Both denied any wrongdoing. By November 2013, authorities ended their investigation.
On 9 May 2016, Faymann resigned as Chancellor and party leader. This happened after many party members lost confidence in his leadership. In the presidential elections held in April 2016, the candidates from his party and its partner party did not make it to the final round. This led to a run-off election between Norbert Hofer of the right-wing Freedom Party of Austria and Alexander Van der Bellen, who was supported by The Greens.
Political Views and Challenges
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During his time as Chancellor, Faymann's party became more cautious about the European Union. However, he kept his distance from far-right parties. In Austria, his government made many changes in areas like education and social security.
At first, Faymann supported German Chancellor Angela Merkel in helping thousands of refugees. These refugees were fleeing wars and seeking safety in Europe. In 2015, Austria took in about 90,000 asylum-seekers, which was more than 1% of its population.
However, support for his policies dropped. Austria's systems struggled to handle the large number of people arriving. Faymann later criticized Merkel's approach to Europe's economic problems. He called for more action to reduce unemployment in Europe. Measures to stop people from entering Austria through the "Balkan route" then caused tension between Austria and Germany.
In September 2015, during the European migrant crisis, Faymann spoke about Hungary's decision to tell refugees a train was going to Budapest when it was actually going to a refugee camp. He said this reminded him of "the darkest chapter of our continent's history." In response, Hungary called the Austrian ambassador to discuss his comments.
Life After Politics
In August 2016, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Faymann as the United Nations' Special Envoy on Youth Unemployment. In this role, he works to help young people find jobs.
In September 2016, Faymann and his former spokesperson started their own communications company in Vienna.
Other Activities
- Karl Renner Institute, member of the board of trustees
- Hans Kelsen Institute, chairman of the board of trustees
- National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism, member of the board of trustees
See also
In Spanish: Werner Faymann para niños
- First Faymann government
- Second Faymann government
- Politics of Austria
