Austria´s coalition government faces collapse after partner´s withdrawal

Austria's governing coalition has collapsed after conservatives declared they could no longer work with Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer's Social Democrats.

Austria's vice chancellor and leader of the conservative People's Party, a ruling partner in the coalition, says he's seeking an early election.

Wilhelm Molterer, Austrian vice chancellor, said, "Ladies and gentlemen, enough is enough. Good work in this government is no longer possible. I therefore propose snap elections."

Molterer accuses Chancellor Gusenbauer of poor leadership and unpopularity within his own ranks. He says the withdrawal is aimed at creating "clarity" in the government.

He says differences between the two ruling Parties, especially on the EU Treaty, make an early election the only way out of the impasse.

Hours later, Chancellor Gusenbauer rose to the challenge. But he refused to run for the post for a second time. He says Social Democratic chief Werner Faymann would be his party's chief candidate.

Gusenbauer says the People's Party has never accepted the result of the 2006 election and blames that for the coalition's collapse.

If a motion for early elections is approved by parliament this week, the vote could be held on September 14th.