2008 Austrian legislative election putting more emphasis on economic liberalism as well as social liberalism. BZÖ leader and Carinthian governor Jörg Haider died in a car accident in Köttmannsdorf near Klagenfurt in the state of Carinthia in the early hours of 11 October 2008. Police reported that the Volkswagen Phaeton that Haider had been driving came off the road, rolled down an embankment and overturned, causing him "severe head and chest injuries". Haider, who was on his way to a family gathering in honour of his mother's 90th birthday, was alone in the government car and no other vehicles were involved. An initial investigation
2008 Austrian government formation in favour of opening coalition negotiations, and the first main meeting was held on 20 October 2008. Immediately afterwards, discussion in the negotiation teams started. The composition of the negotiation teams was announced on 16 October 2008: Reportedly, the SPÖ was seeking to trade the justice ministry for the health ministry, with justice minister Berger returning to the European Parliament and Upper Austrian SPÖ leader Erich Haider becoming health minister. Other rumours included Bures becoming infrastructure minister and trade unionist Wolfgang Katzian becoming social minister. Darabos and Schmied were seen as retaining their offices, with Darabos reportedly waiting for the