Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg to step down as his predecessor Kurz retires from politicsÂ
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Loading... - Dominic Wilson
- 03 Dec 2021
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Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg has said he will step down from the role, hours after his predecessor retired from politics.
Sebastian Kurz had announced earlier on Thursday that he would no longer be the leader of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP).
Kurz had led the ruling conservative party since 2017 but resigned as chancellor two months ago amid corruption allegations.
Schallenberg stated he would also step down from the role when a new party leader was chosen.
"I have great respect for Sebastian Kurz's decision and I thank him for his work for our country," the Austrian Chancellor wrote on Twitter.
"It is not my intention and has never been my aim to take over the position of party leader," he added.
"I firmly believe that both offices - head of government and federal chairman of the party with the largest number of votes in Austria - should be reunited."
"I will therefore make my office as Federal Chancellor available as soon as the appropriate course has been set within the party."
Schallenberg formerly served as Austria's foreign minister before replacing Kurz in October.
Earlier on Thursday, Kurz told reporters in Vienna that he would be retiring from politics after the recent birth of his first child.
Kurz first became Austria's Secretary of State at the age of 24, before he had even completed his law degree.
He was then appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs before becoming the world's youngest head of government when he was appointed chancellor aged 31 years old. Read More…
