Austrian chancellor rejects early election following vice-chancellor resignation

Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern on Thursday once again spoke out against early elections, this time in light of Wednesday's resignation of Vice-Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner.

Austria Press Agency reported on Kern's comments made during a school visit on Thursday, where he reiterated his stance that an early election would not solve any problems.

"No salespeople will earn a euro more, no unemployed person will get a job, no child will enter a better school," he added.

Important instead is what people in Austria are expecting from the government, and that means tackling future issues.

He is expecting to make quick progress with Mitterlehner's replacement as head of the centre-right People's Party along with the rest of its new leadership as soon as it has been decided upon, anticipated to happen by Monday at the latest.

He was non-commital about who should succeed the outgoing Mitterlehner, but said when it is confirmed he will meet with them and aim to carry on with the government's program quickly.

Reinhold Mitterlehner, also leader of the People's Party, Wednesday announced he would resign from all political positions.

"It's enough," he told reporters in a news conference on Wednesday. He said he made his decision after having failed to quell in-fighting and speculation about the party's leadership in the future. Endit