Austria Names Christian Stocker Interim Chancellor

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is set to be appointed as the caretaker chancellor following the resignation of Karl Nehammer, who stepped down after failed coalition talks. Schallenberg previously held the chancellor position briefly in 2021 after Sebastian Kurz resigned amid a corruption investigation. This leadership change occurs as Austria's conservative-led government operates in a caretaker capacity until a new coalition is formed. Reports indicate that Christian Stocker, Secretary-General of the People's Party (OVP), has also been selected as an interim leader amid ongoing political uncertainty. The collapse of coalition talks has left President Alexander Van der Bellen with limited options, including the possibility of a snap election. The situation remains challenging as support for the far-right Freedom Party continues to grow.