Austrian finance minister quits

Channel News Asia Wednesday 13th April, 2011

VIENNA : Austrian Finance Minister Josef Proell quit on Wednesday for health reasons, in a fresh blow to his conservative OeVP party whose popularity has slumped following a spate of recent corruption scandals.The 42-year-old's announcement came after he was treated in hospital last month for a pulmonary embolism. His departure will also leave a gap in the number two post in government as Proell served as deputy chancellor."I am stepping down from all political offices," Proell told a hastily-convened news conference in the Austrian capital."My decision was difficult, but it is the right one," he added. "My decision is not against politics, but for my health and my family."The minister, who has already suffered a thrombosis while holidaying in Mauritius in 2009, had been expected to return...

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