The Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) wants to retire from his post. Schallenberg announced on Thursday in a written statement that he will make his office available as soon as the relevant course has been set within the party. The withdrawal followed a few hours after ÖVP boss and ex-chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced his resignation from all political functions.
“It is not my intention and has never been my goal to take over the role of federal party leader of the New People’s Party,” said Schallenberg. “I am of the firm opinion that both offices – head of government and federal party chairman of the strongest party in Austria – should quickly be reunited in one hand.” Former Foreign Minister Schallenberg only took over the post of Chancellor from Kurz in November after Kurz resigned after allegations of corruption. The 52-year-old lawyer and diplomat Schallenberg had previously been Foreign Minister in the Kurz cabinet. In October, after his appointment as head of government, he announced that he would be working closely with Kurz, which brought him the accusation of being the shadow chancellor.
According to several media reports, the current Minister of the Interior, Karl Nehammer, is to take over the leadership of the ÖVP and also become Federal Chancellor. A meeting of the federal executive committee of the ÖVP is planned for Friday.