Alexander Schallenberg Set to Become Austria's Chancellor Again Amid Coalition Talks
Alexander Schallenberg is set to take on the role of Chancellor of Austria for the second time this Friday, albeit temporarily, as he leads a provisional government until a new Chancellor is appointed. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will task the ÖVP politician with this short-term leadership due to the failure of coalition negotiations involving the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos. This latest attempt at receiving a stable government has seen long discussions falter, prompting the ÖVP and the Freedom Party (FPÖ) to enter negotiations instead. Those close to the situation expect a swift agreement between the two parties to avoid further unrest among the public.
Schallenberg, who was previously Chancellor for a brief six-week period following Sebastian Kurz's resignation in late 2021, is stepping into this role once again as current Chancellor Karl Nehammer resigns following the collapse of a proposed coalition with the Social Democrats and Neos. The FPÖ, known for its pro-Russian stance, views Nehammer as overly aligned with Western interests.
At 55 years old, Schallenberg, the current Foreign Minister, has been chosen for his extensive experience and familiarity with the position. However, it is widely believed that he will be stepping back from political life under a leadership headed by Herbert Kickl, the expected new Chancellor from the FPÖ. Schallenberg's spokesperson has indicated that he would not be willing to serve as Foreign Minister under a government led by Kickl. Moreover, Schallenberg himself has publicly expressed skepticism about serving in a Kickl-led administration, which has been viewed as a stark shift from Austria's traditional stance.
This dissonance extends to the FPÖ, whose Secretary General Christian Hafenecker made a pointed remark about the absence of a Foreign Minister aligned with Schallenberg in a government led by a so-called 'People's Chancellor.' The implication being that Schallenberg's foreign policy views and commitment to Austria's neutrality do not align with those of the Freedom Party, particularly its pro-Russian faction.
Alexander Georg Nicolas Schallenberg, known for his characteristic black horn-rimmed glasses and slicked-back hair, comes from an esteemed Austrian noble family. His upbringing across various countries alongside a career in the foreign ministry has made him a well-traveled and well-connected figure. His background includes significant experience, having served in Brussels and led strategic foreign policy planning for the ÖVP before his ascent to Foreign Minister in 2019. As such, he is seen as a seasoned diplomat with strong ties within European political circles.
Schallenberg's political career, however, has not been without controversy. His relationships, particularly with former Chancellor Kurz, have led to both support and criticism. Following Kurz's resignation amidst corruption accusations, Schallenberg defended his former mentor and faced backlash for doing so. Critics tagged him as ‘Kurz's servant,’ a label that underscores the complexity of his affiliations within Austria’s political milieu.
As the coalition conversations shift to the FPÖ, it appears that Schallenberg's role may become increasingly limited, with uncertainties about whether he will maintain a position in future governmental frameworks. His previous experience as Foreign Minister and Chancellor places him in a unique position to influence discussions, but entrenched party dynamics and public sentiment may ultimately overshadow his contributions.
Related Sources: