Haider-backed candidate defeated in Austrian election

A senior parliamentary official today defeated a candidate backed by right-wing populist Joerg Haider in a presidential election that showed voter dissatisfaction with the country’s government.

With nearly 100% of the votes counted, Heinz Fischer, the candidate of the opposition Social Democrats, had more than 53%. Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the conservative endorsed by Mr Haider, had just under 48%.

Inadvertently, Mr Haider's endorsement of Ms Ferrero-Waldner appeared to help 65-year-old Mr Fischer. Maria Vassilakou of the Green party said it "obviously mobilised Green voters" to back the Social Democratic victor.

Mr Haider's backing of Ms Ferrero-Waldner and Mr Fischer's critical stance towards Mr Haider added spice to an otherwise humdrum race for the mostly ceremonial position.

Ms Ferrero-Waldner was supported by the conservative People's Party and their government partners, Mr Haider's Freedom Party. Mr Fischer is a deputy speaker of parliament.

The result shows how the government coalition is faring in voter popularity midway through its term and in the aftermath of pension reforms and other unpopular legislation.

Mr Fischer, meanwhile, has promised to work to create opportunities for Austria's youth and security for the country's elderly.

His election posters carried the slogan: "Politics need a conscience." Current President Thomas Klestil put distance between himself and his backers the People's Party during his tenure to become a political independent.