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.
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“It is not my intention and has never been my goal to take over the role of federal party chairman 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 be quickly 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.
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.
Finance Minister Blümel is also withdrawing
After Kurz, Finance Minister Gernot Blümel, who is considered to be Kurz confidante, also announced his withdrawal from politics. The conservative ÖVP minister announced this on Thursday evening. “I have decided to leave politics,” said the 40-year-old and justified his move with death threats against his family, among other things. “Sebastian Kurz’s final resignation from all political positions was the last impetus for my final decision,” he added. (Reuters, dpa)