Interim Chancellor

Schallenberg helps out for the second time

With his inauguration as interim chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg is both Karl Nehammer's predecessor and successor.(Bild: Screenshot APA-Livestream)

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was sworn in on Friday morning by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen as the successor to outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The 55-year-old, who will continue to act as Foreign Minister, will continue to lead the country until the future government is in office.

Before the official part of the ceremony, the red-white-red head of state reviewed the latest developments in domestic policy and spoke of the "turbulent days" that lie behind the Second Republic. He then thanked Nehammer and relieved him of his office. Van der Bellen then entrusted "the long-serving member of the government" with the continuation of official business in the "provisional federal government".

After taking the oath of office and obtaining the necessary signatures, Schallenberg's second term at the head of government began. He had already served as Federal Chancellor for a good two months in 2021 - namely between the withdrawal of Sebastian Kurz and the installation of Nehammer, whose predecessor and successor he is in one. 

Not seeking a ministerial post under Kickl
Schallenberg is planning an inaugural visit to the European Union in Brussels at the beginning of next week. He is unlikely to remain in the government permanently, as he is no longer seeking a ministerial post under Chancellor Herbert Kickl (FPÖ).