Austria chancellor to quit after Kurz leaves politics
Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said on Thursday that he was ready to quit after his predecessor Sebastian Kurz announced that he was leaving politics, prompting fresh upheaval within their conservative People's Party (OEVP).
Kurz's announcement came just two months after he resigned as national leader following his implication in a corruption scandal and caps a spectacular career, which saw him become the world's youngest democratically elected head of government in 2017 at just 31.
He said he would hand over all his political functions, including the leadership of the OEVP.
Just hours after Kurz spoke, his close ally and replacement as chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, released a statement in which he said he was "of the firm opinion that the posts of chancellor and head of the party... should quickly be taken on by the same person".
"Therefore, I will make the post of chancellor available as soon as the relevant decisions have been taken within the party."
A meeting of the OEVP leadership was expected yesterday, with Interior Minister Karl Nehammer one of the favourites to take over, and possibly to be nominated for chancellor as well.
But also in the immediate wake of Kurz's announcement, the country's finance minister Gernot Bluemel, similarly an ally of the former leader, resigned.
Kurz, now 35, told reporters earlier on Thursday: "A new chapter begins in my life that I can open today.
"Above all, I look forward to spending time with my family and my (new-born) child before I dedicate myself to new professional challenges in the new year," he said.
'Neither saint, nor criminal'
"Today's decision was not easy for me," Kurz said, adding that having to fight corruption allegations against him had taken a heavy toll and diminished his "passion" for politics.
In a spectacular turn of events, Kurz stepped down as chancellor on October 9, shortly after he was implicated in a sweeping corruption investigation.
He dismisses any allegation of wrongdoing, and on Thursday again reiterated that he hopes to get a chance to prove his innocence in court.
"I am neither a saint nor a criminal, I am a person with strengths and weaknesses," he said.
Kurz over the weekend announced on Facebook the birth of his son Konstantin, and on Thursday said the birth had been an "extraordinary" experience – even better than winning two elections.
Kurz's first coalition with the far-right collapsed in 2019 when his ally became engulfed in a corruption scandal, leading to fresh elections.
Those returned Kurz as chancellor, this time heading an administration with the Greens.
The latest corruption scandal erupted in October when prosecutors ordered raids at the chancellery and the finance ministry while investigating allegations that Kurz's inner circle used public money to pay for polls tailored to boost his image.
Prosecutors also suspect that in return for the polls, and fawning coverage of Kurz, tabloid Oesterreich received lucrative public adverts.
Prosecutors say that Kurz and nine other individuals, as well as three organisations, are under investigation.
'Great respect'
Following Kurz's announcement, his own party colleagues as well as some opposition politicians expressed support.
President Alexander Van der Bellen said he thanked Kurz in a telephone call for the "good and trustful cooperation".
Kurz's former deputy, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler, said he had "great respect" for Kurz's decision.
"Despite all the differences, we have achieved a lot together," he tweeted.
Growing up in Vienna as the only child of a secretary and a teacher, Kurz became active in the OEVP at the age of 16.
Having dropped out of his law studies to focus on politics, he first entered government in 2011 as secretary for integration, and then as foreign minister two years later, aged 27.
Kurz wrested control of the OEVP in 2017.
With his hard stance on immigration, he won over voters for the party and was credited with revitalising it and increasing its popularity ratings.