But in his resignation speech, Faymann took the opportunity to defend his controversial decision to end the policy welcoming refugees. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Norbert Hofer, of the Freedom party, secured more than 36% in the first round of the presidential vote. Related: Austrian far-right party's triumph in presidential poll could spell turmoilFaymann’s standing within the party plummeted. The mayor of Vienna, Michael Häupl, a staunch Faymann supporter, will take over the SPÖ leadership until the next party conference. “This country needs a chancellor whose party is totally behind them,” Faymann said.

Source: The Guardian May 09, 2016 05:42 UTC