Austrian political establishment commend outgoing president

Austrian political officials from various parties have thanked and commended outgoing President Heinz Fischer, in his last day in the job on Friday.

Krone newspaper reported Chancellor Christian Kern from the Social Democrats, Fischer's party prior to taking on the presidency, as having voiced his thanks for "12 years in which you have dignifiedly represented Austria."

He added that over his 12-year term Fischer had also "made sure that our international reputation has increased further."

In addition the outgoing president had fought against poverty, exclusion, racism, and violence, and in favour of social justice, Kern stated.

Vice-Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner from the center-right People's Party said that even in contentious matters, Fischer had put the common ground "ahead of that which divides."

"At his appointment he wanted to be a 'president for all,' and he met this promise," Mitterlehner added.

Both candidates vying to succeed Fischer in the repeat Oct. 2 election, Alexander Van der Bellen and Norbert Hofer, also acknowledged the outgoing head of state.

Van der Bellen said Fischer had served as president "impeccably," for which he earned "great respect," while Hofer said he was a strong personality who showed a human side in acknowledging recently that he is not faultless. Endit