Schallenberg Appointed to Lead Austria’s Interim Government
Austria’s Foreign Minister, Alexander Schallenberg, will take over as head of the interim government following Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s resignation. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the presidential office.
President Alexander Van der Bellen will officially appoint Schallenberg on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the presidential chancellery. This decision follows Nehammer’s decision to step down as chancellor and leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) after coalition talks failed.
The Freedom Party (FPÖ) emerged as the winner of the general election on September 29, securing approximately 29% of the vote. However, attempts to form a coalition government faced obstacles as both the ÖVP and the Social Democrats (SPÖ) declined to collaborate with the FPÖ.
Nehammer had been tasked with negotiating a government but announced his resignation after efforts to build a coalition proved unsuccessful. Schallenberg’s interim leadership will aim to stabilize Austria’s political landscape until a permanent government is established.
