Vienna - Werner Faymann, expected to be chosen as Austrian Social Democratic leader later Friday, said he is focussing on social issues to win voters and alienated party members.

At his party's convention in Linz, Transport Minister Faymann sought to sharpen his social policy profile by announcing tax cuts in 2009 and by seeking support from trade unionists.

"The social democratic model of a just and fair society with equal opportunities is as valid as it has been in the past," he said.

As party chairman, Faymann would succeed Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer, who had alienated the strong trade union wing of the party by diminishing their influence in parliament and by making concessions to the coalition partner.