He will not be available for any potential role in a blue-black government, his office informed APA. Polaschek had already ruled out a ministerial post in a coalition with the FPÖ before the - however, his name has reappeared in media reports in recent weeks as a possible ministerial candidate.

Education Minister Since 2021

Polaschek succeeded Heinz Faßmann as Education Minister in December 2021 and thus led the ministry at Minoritenplatz for more than three years. Previously, the legal historian was first Vice-Rector and then Rector of the University of Graz and long-time head of the Teaching Forum of the University Conference. In this role, he was instrumental in reforming teacher training and introducing the Bachelor/Master system about ten years ago - as Minister, he was again responsible for its revision.

During his term, which was initially marked by discussions about his (long-haired) hairstyle, the 59-year-old Styrian, among other things, restructured the lateral entry for teachers. A certification process was introduced - due to the shortage of teachers, Polaschek actively recruited academics from relevant professional fields who want to switch to classrooms with his initiative "Klasse Job". Support staff for teachers was also increasingly recruited during his term. In the field of science, he focused on initiatives against science skepticism and secured the university budget for the years 2025 to 2027 with an increase of around 30 percent. In the years before, he had caused some discontent among his former rector colleagues when the university budget was not adjusted accordingly despite rising inflation.

Polaschek with Right to Return

Polaschek does not have a mandate in the National Council. Where the jurist could move to is not yet clear, according to the ministry. However, as an extraordinary professor, he has the right to return to the University of Graz.

(APA/Red)

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