Gerald Klug Becomes New Minister of Defence and Sports
Gerald Klug is Austria's new Minister of Defence and Sports and thus head of the Austrian Armed Forces. On 11 March he was inaugurated by Federal President Heinz Fischer. On the same day, his predecessor, Norbert Darabos, handed over the ministry as Austria's military leaders welcomed Klug in the Rossau Barracks of Vienna.
Reform of Conscript Service
In his inaugural address, the new minister stated, that he accepts his new responsibilities "with a real good feeling." the key aspect of Klug's work will be to reform Austria's conscript military service - an order he sees clearly mandated by voters in the January referendum. On 20 January, the Austrian population had overwhelmingly voted to keep the draft.
Gerald Klug is 44 years old, he was born in Graz, Styria.
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Images related to this article
Gerald Klug in his new office in the Rossau Barracks.
The new minister during his inaugural speech.