VIENNA — In a significant political shift, the Austrian People's Party announced on Sunday the nomination of its General Secretary Christian Stocker as interim leader following the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer. This decision comes after Nehammer declared his intention to step down following failed coalition talks with the Social Democrats.

Stocker, a lawyer and member of the Austrian Parliament since 2022, has been recognized as a calm and experienced crisis communicator, often appearing in media to defend contentious decisions made by the party. As reported, the timeline for appointing an acting chancellor remains uncertain until a new government is put in place.

During this political turmoil, Nehammer, escorted by special police, made his way from the Chancellery to the president's office, emphasizing the importance of continuity in governance. "What is important for me is that the way of stability and the center can be continued," he stated.

The situation escalated on Friday when the liberal party NEOS withdrew from coalition discussions with the center-left Social Democrats and the conservative People's Party, leaving the remaining parties struggling to maintain their slim majority in Parliament. Another attempt to broker a government was made on Saturday but ended in failure after negotiators failed to agree on methods to address the budget deficit.

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen is expected to provide public updates regarding the situation after discussions with Nehammer conclude. Nehammer has held the chancellorship since 2021,following previous corruption scandals that affected his predecessor, Sebastian Kurz.

In April 2022, Nehammer also became notable for being the first European leader to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.