Wien. Austria’s Federal Chancellor Alexander Schellenberg (ÖVP) provided his office. This was announced by the politician of the conservative VP, His chancellor predecessor Sebastian Kurz announced his retirement as leader of the VP party on Thursday.,

“I am of the firm opinion that both offices – head of government and chairman of the Federalist Party, the party with the strongest votes in Austria – should be quickly reconciled to one side,” Schalenberg said in explaining his move. It was never his goal to lead the OVP. He is set to step down as head of government as soon as it is clear who will lead the Chancellor’s party in the future.

Austrian media interior minister Karl Nehmer (49) is the next likely OVP boss and chancellor. Co-ruling Greens vice-chancellor Werner Kogler stressed in a statement Friday that there was a good basis for discussion and work between him and Nehamer.

No information on Schellenberg’s future plans

Schellenberg, 52, became Chancellor in October with the rank of Foreign Minister, after Kurz initially retired as head of government due to a corruption investigation. Schalenberg had insisted early in his time as chancellor that he would remain closely associated with Kurz.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office for Trade and Corruption suspects that Kurz and some of his close political associates conducted the elections with taxpayer money to pave the way for the Chancellor. Kurz denied the allegations. On Thursday, however, he announced his resignation from all political offices – as leader of the party and parliamentary group and as an MP.

For some time, nothing was known about Schellenberg’s future plans. He did not comment on reports that he may again take over the external department.