Sebastian Kurz, who had been Chancellor of Austria since 2017, resigned from his position on October 9th 2021 amid a corruption scandal that has rocked Austrian politics. 

Kurz had been under investigation by anti-corruption prosecutors over allegations that government money was used in a brazen campaign to ensure his rise to the top of Austrian politics through the manipulation of opinion polls and positive media coverage. Text messages and emails seized by investigators appeared to show Kurz and his close allies exchanging thousands of euros worth of payments to a media company and pollster in return for political favors between 2016-2018 when Sebastian Kurz was seeking to become leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and then Chancellor.

Sebastian Kurz Stepping Down

In a televised statement, the 35-year old Kurz said that he was stepping down in order to avoid months of turbulence for both his party and the country. However, he maintained his innocence and said he would continue to lead the ÖVP. With Kurz’s resignation, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was swiftly appointed as the new Chancellor. Schallenberg is seen as a safe pair of hands but lacks Sebastian Kurz‘s popularity and charisma. 

Opposition parties had called for Kurz’s resignation, arguing his position as Chancellor was untenable while under investigation. Green party leader and Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler said the allegations were “no small matter” and damaged the government’s credibility. However, Kurz’s ÖVP had continued to support him as party leader.

Allegations of Corruption Sebastian Kurz

The allegations center around Kurz’s rise through the ranks of the conservative ÖVP. Prosecutors claim that between 2016-2018, government money was used by Kurz and his allies to pay for manipulated polling and positive coverage in the popular tabloid Österreich. It is alleged this was done through insertions paid for by the finance ministry which were designed to look like regular news stories but in fact consisted of pre-agreed questions and answers. 

If found guilty, Sebastian Kurz faces up to three years in prison or a fine of up to €200,000 on the charge of breach of trust. However, he has maintained his innocence. In his resignation statement, Kurz said “I want to make space to prevent chaos.” He argued that months of uncertainty would hamper the government’s ability to tackle challenges like the pandemic and economic recovery.

Political Fallout

Sebastian Kurz‘s resignation has sent shockwaves through Austrian politics. At just 35, he had been seen as representing a new generation of conservative leadership in Europe. However, the allegations have tarnished that image and left questions over the culture in his party. The ÖVP had enjoyed a long period in power but now faces renewed scrutiny. 
Opposition parties are calling for further resignations within Kurz’s inner circle who are also under investigation. With Kurz remaining as party leader, it also leaves questions over whether he will attempt a comeback. For now, Alexander Schallenberg takes over the challenge of leading a coalition government at a time of uncertainty, both in Austria and across Europe as it recovers from the pandemic. Kurz’s resignation may mark the end of an era, but the political fallout of the corruption scandal is likely to continue.