(18 Jan 1997) Natural Sound

Austria's Chancellor Franz Vranitzky may resign this weekend and be succeeded by Finance Minister Viktor Klima.

Social Democrats called a surprise leadership meeting for Saturday amid reports that the party leader, Franz Vranitzky, was stepping down after 10 years as Austria's chancellor.

Vranitzky did not confirm the reports, but newspapers indicated his resignation seemed very likely.

59-year-old Franz Vranitzky has been Chancellor of Austria for 10 years.

Reports claim he is tired of politics and wants to turn over his duties to Finance Minister Viktor Klima.

Although Vranitzky hasn't confirmed the reports he is said to have gathered close associates together Friday to discuss his resignation.

A meeting of the party leadership was announced for Sunday, but later moved up to Saturday.

Vranitzky is well respected inside and outside Austria.

He has presided over a coalition government with the second-largest party, the People's Party.

But both the coalition and the party have appeared to drift in recent years, and the popularity of right-wing populist Freedom Party has been on the rise.

In October elections for the European parliament and the city assembly in Vienna, the Social Democrats had their worst election results since 1918.

Vranitzky's fatigue with the job may stem from growing criticism over budget cuts, bloated bureaucracy, corruption, and squabbling in the governing party.

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