Johannes Rauch is now in office – as the third Minister of Health since the pandemic began. The Vorarlberger came to the oath with the tram.
What a difference: towards the end of his term in office, Wolfgang Mückstein was no longer able to use public transport and had to wear a bulletproof vest in the company car. Successor Johannes Rauch came to the Hofburg yesterday with the tram for the swearing-in ceremony.
“The pandemic is not over”
The ceremony was – due to the corona – on a small scale. After ten minutes it was over again and the third Minister of Health in the Corona crisis was sworn in. In his speech, Federal President Van der Bellen emphasized that the pandemic was not over: “It’s not an easy task, it’s nerve-wracking and it pushes you to the limit. Perhaps your endurance sports, such as climbing or ski touring, will help you.”
Round of introductions for the new minister
After the swearing-in, we went to the new workplace for the handover. This was followed by getting to know the section heads and his presentation in parliament: “I’m humbled enough to know that I can’t do everything from day one,” said Rauch there. The interview marathon of the next few days started with the ZiB2.
Long distance relationship by train?
The ex-councillor previously lived in Vorarlberg and is currently staying in a hotel in Vienna. A rental apartment should be found in the course of the month. He will have a long-distance relationship with his wife, Vorarlberg’s SPÖ leader Sprickler-Falschlunger. He keeps his country home and wants to commute when time permits. Whether by train as planned is uncertain: After “today“-Information is being checked for personal protection.