Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announced as interim Federal Chancellor

GENEVA

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen announced Wednesday that Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg of the Austrian People's Party (OVP) will temporarily assume leadership of the government starting Friday.

"On Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., Federal President Van der Bellen will entrust Federal Minister Alexander Schallenberg with the continuation of the administration of the Federal Chancellery and with the chairmanship of the temporary federal government in the President's Chancellery," the president’s office said in a press release.

This marks Schallenberg’s second tenure as interim Federal Chancellor. His first term, from October 11 to December 6, 2021, followed the resignation of then-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

Schallenberg’s appointment comes after outgoing Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation as chancellor and OVP party leader last Saturday. Nehammer’s decision followed unsuccessful coalition negotiations between the OVP, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPO), and the liberal NEOS party.

“We have tried everything so far. An agreement on key issues is not possible, so a positive future for Austria is out of the question,” Nehammer said in a written statement.

The coalition talks were aimed at preventing a government led by the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), which won 28.85% of the vote in the September 29 parliamentary elections, the highest share among all parties. Despite this, Van der Bellen initially chose Nehammer to form the government over FPO leader Herbert Kickl.

On Monday, Van der Bellen changed course, officially tasking Kickl with forming a government.

“I have certain wishes, but respect for the voters dictates that I accept this majority,” Van der Bellen said. “I will continue to ensure that the principles and rules of our constitution are correctly observed and adhered to.”

This is the first time since 1945 that a representative of the FPO has been given the mandate to form a government in Austria. Previously, the task was exclusively granted to members of the SPO or OVP.