Austrian chancellor resigns amid allegations of corruption

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz resigned on Saturday amid allegations of corruption, according to multiple reports. 

Kurz, who has held the position since 2017, said in a televised address that he wants to “make space to prevent chaos and ensure stability,” according to The Washington Post.

“My country is more important to me than my person,” Kurz added, according to the newspaper. 

Kurz and nine others are under investigation over allegations that his People’s Party used finance ministry funds to manipulate polls between 2016 and 2018, according to the BBC. 

Prosecutors said Wednesday that the individuals were being investigated for charges related to breach of trust, corruption and bribery, the outlet reported. Authorities conducted several raids earlier that day, including the offices of Kurz’s senior aides.

Prior to his resignation, Austria’s opposition parties geared up for a vote of no confidence in Kurz during an upcoming special session of Parliament, Reuters reported.

Kurz has denied the allegations and said Saturday that he plans to continue leading his party, the outlet reported. He suggested that Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg take over the position.

“Above all … I will of course use the opportunity to refute and disprove the accusations that have been made against me,” Kurz said, according to Reuters.