Stoker new leader of Austrian conservatives, President of Austria held a speech

(Patria) - The leadership of the Austrian conservatives has elected current Secretary General Christian Stoker as interim leader, Austrian media reported.

The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the Austrian ruling conservatives, i.e., the People's Party, today, after coalition government negotiations without the far-right failed yesterday and after Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his withdrawal.

President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen held an extraordinary address to the public today, speaking about the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer and negotiations for forming a new government.

He stated that democracy cannot exist without the rule of law, separation of powers, human and minority rights, free and independent media, and EU membership.

"If I have learned anything during my time as Federal President, it is that there are always new situations. Nehammer told me that the handover will be carried out in an orderly manner. He will remain Chancellor for a few more days, until the transition is completed," said Van der Bellen.

He points out that, despite the differences and the withdrawal of NEOS primarily, there is an impression that chances for an agreement exist.

"However, I wanted to spare our homeland empty kilometers. That is why I did not give Herbert Kickl (leader of the right-wing FPO, editor's note) the job of forming a government, because Karl Nehammer and Andreas Babler (president of SPO) did not want to negotiate with him. Now the situation has changed. Nehammer has left. Therefore, I invited Kickl for a conversation at 11 AM on Monday," stated the Austrian President.



"