After Health and Social Affairs Minister Wolfgang Mückstein announced his resignation, the Greens paved the way for his successor. The Vorarlberg Provincial Councilor Johannes Rauch (62), who is actually regarding to end his political career, is to take over.
Party leader Werner Kogler described him as the “best suited successor”. The party’s Extended Federal Executive (EBV) met this morning to decide on the nomination.
Before the start of the meeting of around 30 members in the Urania in Vienna, the participants were taciturn. Neither Rauch nor Kogler nor club chairwoman Sigrid Maurer wanted to make a donation when they arrived, and Mückstein – whose farewell was due – said nothing either.
Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler and the Upper Austrian Provincial Councilor Stefan Kaineder, on the other hand, came up with words of praise. Thanks are due to Mückstein, and the fact that Rauch was able to win is “a great reason to be happy,” says Gewessler.
Yesterday, Kogler had already suggested Rauch to the party executive and the parliamentary club. After the expected decision in the EBV, a press conference is scheduled. Then the way is clear for Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen to swear in the new Minister of Health. It is expected to take place early next week.