No Kurz Comeback: Chancellor Stocker Will Run Again in Next NR Election

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) wants to hold his office for a longer period. He will only deal with his succession "after the next national election," he said in an interview with the "Kronen Zeitung" (Sunday). Consequently, he will run as the top candidate for the ÖVP in this election and in the meantime "of course" remain chancellor, Stocker said: "This task fills me with great joy." After his back surgery, he is "completely pain-free."

Stocker Confirms Candidacy in Next National Election

With the government, the chancellor wants to take a "step forward." "I have the will to shape this country and want to live with my fellow citizens in a leaner, more efficient state, with a solid budget, more economic growth, less inflation, and hopefully more satisfaction." Stocker dismissed any leadership discussion in the People's Party during his absence as "rumor mill." There is also nothing to the constant speculation about a return of former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

Unfavorable Polls for ÖVP

"Certainly no cause for joy" are the current polls, in which the governing parties ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS are losing in favor of the FPÖ. "What happened in the Chamber of Commerce naturally does not leave the People's Party unaffected," said Stocker. Declining trust in the government is nothing unusual for him in times of crisis. Of course, he now wants to "lead the country through this time with the right decisions."

The ÖVP chairman returned to the office last week after back surgery. Due to a narrowing in the spine, he had previously suffered from severe pain for a year, Stocker said. During the four weeks of convalescence, he "got better every day," and now he has a "completely new feeling of life." The chancellor also worked from home, made phone calls, and received staff. Now he commutes daily between Wiener Neustadt and Vienna again.

FPÖ Sees "Panic Diversionary Tactic"

The FPÖ would promise simple solutions and divide society, Stocker said. Their party leader Herbert Kickl's record as interior minister was "disastrous." However, the FPÖ's general secretary Michael Schnedlitz saw a "panic diversionary tactic from their own total failure" in a statement: "Instead of fighting the inflation and asylum crisis, the chancellor spreads fairy tales and lies about the only politician who represents the interests of Austrians."

(APA/Red)

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