Vienna. Austrian Federal Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) makes his office available. This was announced by the conservative ÖVP politician, After his predecessor, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, announced his retirement as ÖVP leader on Thursday.
Explaining the move he took, Schallenberg said: “I have the firm opinion that both offices – the head of the government and the head of the Federalist Party of the party that received the strongest vote in Austria – should be quickly reunited by one.” His goal was not to lead the ÖVP. He is ready to step down as prime minister once it is clarified who will head the chancellor’s party in the future.
Austrian Minister of Interior and Information Karl Nahammer (49 years old) is ÖVP’s next potential president and advisor. Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler of the Greens stressed in a statement Friday that he and Nehmer have a good basis for discussion and action.
There is no information about Schallenberg’s future plans
Schallenberg, 52, moved from foreign minister to chancellor in October after Kurz initially retired as prime minister in the face of corruption investigations. Schallenberg emphasized early in his time as chancellor that he would remain closely associated with Kurz.
The Attorney General’s Office for Business and Corruption suspects Kurz and some of his close political associates in tasking them with holding elections with the help of taxpayer money to clear the way for the Chancellery. Curtis denies the allegations. However, on Thursday, he announced his resignation from all political positions – as a party leader and a parliamentary group and as an MP.
At the moment, nothing is known about Schallenberg’s future plans. He did not comment on reports that he might take over the external department again.