Haider’s successor chosen after fatal crash

The Austrian far-right party of Joerg Haider has chosen a new leader, just a day after Haider’s death in a car accident.

Twenty seven-year old Stefan Petzner, who had been Haider’s spokesman in the BZO party since 2004, was the unanimous decision of party leaders meeting in Vienna.

The appointment would appear to silence rumours that the BZO could merge with Austria’s principle far-right party, the FPO.

As supporters continue to pay their respects, more details are emerging surrounding Haider’s fatal accident.

The 58-year old had been driving at more than 140 kilometers per hour, double the speed limit on the particular stretch of road where the accident occurred.

He had spent the evening at a nightclub but officials did not say whether he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

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