Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg resigns after a month and a half | Abroad

“It is not my intention, and never my intention, to take over the position of party leader,” Schallenberg said in a short written statement. “I firmly believe that both offices – the head of government and the leader of the largest Austrian party – should be exercised again very soon by the same person.”

On Thursday, Kurz announced his resignation as ÖVP leader and faction leader of the party. It is currently part of an alliance with the Green Party. Schallenberg will leave when the party elects a new leader to succeed Kurz. Austrian media reported that Interior Minister Karl Nehamer (49) is a possible successor.

Before becoming a chancellor, Schallenberg was Secretary of State. After succeeding Kurz – who was mentioned in a corruption investigation – he has already indicated that he is still close to Kurz. Schallenberg has said nothing about his plans for the future, although there are reports that he will return to the State Department. “At a very difficult stage for the government and the party,” he said, he was ready to take the position of chancellor.

Finance Minister Gernot Blumel, who is known to be a confidant of Kurz, has also reported that he is leaving politics behind. Blumel, 40, cites death threats against his family as a reason for his decision. Kurz’s decision could have played a role, too.