Austria's main opposition leader resigns

By Askin Kiyagan

VIENNA (AA) - The head of the Social Democratic Party of Austria stepped down Tuesday after finishing behind her opponents in a party member survey.

Pamela Rendi-Wagner, who led the main opposition Social Democrats since 2018, announced her resignation at a press conference.

Rendi-Wagner also said that she will not seek reelection as party head at the next party congress on June 3.

She also indicated her respect for the results of the vote.

Hans Peter Doskozil, the governor of Burgenland and a former defense minister, received the most votes, according to the member poll.

The Social Democrats have suffered losses in local elections held in three states since the beginning 2023, which paved the way for a leadership issue within the party.