VIENNA, October 5. /TASS/. Austrian Vice-Chancellor and leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPO) Andreas Babler is going to step down from both positions in early 2027, ORF television channel said, citing his statement.

Babler will remain in the office of the Minister of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and Sport.

The politician plans to remain at the position of the Vice-Chancellor at least until the end of this year, after which Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer is expected to become his successor, ORF said. Babler is expected to be succeeded in the key party position by Philip Kucher, head of the SPO parliamentary faction, and Eva-Maria Holzleitner, who is currently Minister for Women, Science, and Research. The final decision regarding the new party leadership is expected to be made at a party congress.

Babler said that he made the decision to step down voluntarily against the background of ongoing internal party discussions regarding its leadership. The reshuffle is to contribute to restoring party unity, he said.