The commitment for the underpriviledged has embossed the targeted, but calm and considerate politician. A fundament for this engagement was laid during the time he worked at the consumer protection board "Mietervereinigung", in which he was active in the the years 1988 - 1994.
Two years as city counceillor responsible for domestic architecture followed. His work was characterized by clear strategical guidelines and a genuine interest in the circumstances of living of the people.
He managed to shape Viennese housing by cost efficiency, achieving internationaly comparable low rents and sustainability. In the beginning of 2007 he became minister of infrastructure in the government of Alfred Gusenbauer.
Werner Fayman stands for a policy of engagement for the interests of employees, for the assurance of the health care system, social fairness and employment. Austria must be able to prevail itself in international competition and the collectively achieved gains must be shared equally.
Actions against the rise in prices and a relief for the middle class are priorities for him. Werner Faymann wants the next government to "stand on the side of the population". This also shows in the position of the SPÖ concerning the European Union. Facing the decreasing approval to the EU it is legitimate and necessary to consider how the European idea may be brought closer to the people and enable a positive spirit for the great European peace project. At the same time Faymann calls for a new style in politics. There has been too much quarreling in the past months.
"I am a person who is deeply convinced that it is possible to find a goal-orientated dialog with each other. Also in politics. Politicians must have firm axioms and keep the common aims of the people in mind. That is the sense of a representative democracy. People expect concrete solutions. The opposite is blockade for the sake of blocking."
Werner Faymann is married to Martina Ludwig and is the father of two daughters.
