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Sebastian Kurz, ex-Federal Chancellor of Austria: “What is needed now is stable conditions. I would therefore like to make way in order to resolve the stalemate. To prevent chaos and ensure stability. "
This is how Sebastian Kurz justified his resignation as Austrian Chancellor three days after the allegations of corruption against him became known.
As a coalition partner, the Greens had threatened Kurz with a vote of no confidence.
Among other things, he and his closest colleagues are accused of buying well-meaning media coverage.
He continues to deny this.
Sebastian Kurz, ex-Federal Chancellor of Austria: »You have all seen that criminal charges have been brought against me in the last few days. These allegations were made in 2016, they are false, and I will be able to clarify that too, I am deeply convinced of that. "
Relief from the coalition partner: After resigning, the Greens declared that they wanted to continue the government with the ÖVP.
Werner Kogler, Green Party leader and Vice Chancellor: “Above all, it is now possible to adopt a budget. And we can push ahead with the last major project that we just negotiated, the ecological and social tax reform. "
The previous Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg will be the new Federal Chancellor.
The experienced diplomat owes his career to Sebastian Kurz and is driving just as hard a course in migration policy as the previous head of government.
In 2017, Kurz was sworn in as Austrian Chancellor and initially ruled together with the right-wing populist FPÖ.
He has formed a coalition with the Greens since the beginning of 2020.
Even if some people have already celebrated this in Vienna - his resignation is only half: Briefly, ÖVP chairman and parliamentary group leader remains and thus remains in a powerful position in the Austrian parliament.
