Austria picks Johannes Hahn as its new EU commissioner
(VIENNA) - Austria has chosen science minister Johannes Hahn as its next European Union commissioner in Brussels, the government announced Tuesday.
Hahn, 51, is head of the Vienna branch of the conservative OeVP party, and Chancellor Werner Faymann praised his "breadth of knowledge and experience".
The cabinet chose him over rival candidates, former finance minister Wilhelm Molterer and the EU's current commissioner for external relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
His nomination comes just as the science minister is under fire from students who are demanding better conditions at university and demonstrating against the re-introduction of university fees, of which Hahn is a fervent supporter.
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