Austrian Vice Chancellor Babler to step down early next year

October 5, 2026 at 12:46 AM1 min

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Austrian Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler said on Sunday he will step down as vice chancellor and leader of the ruling Social Democrats at the start of next year. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer, who is undergoing cancer treatment, will replace him as vice chancellor early next year. The party leadership agreed on the transition in meetings on Sunday.

Key Facts

Andreas Babler announced his resignation as vice chancellor and Social Democratic party leader effective at the start of next year.
Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer will replace Babler as vice chancellor early next year.
Marterbauer is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
The Social Democrats are the second party in Austria's three-way government.

Leadership Transition

Babler announced his decision at a press conference on Sunday. The party leadership agreed in meetings on Sunday that Marterbauer would replace Babler as vice chancellor early next year. Babler will step down as party leader at the same time.

Government Context

The Social Democrats are the second party in Austria's three-way government. Marterbauer is undergoing treatment for cancer.