Austrian chancellor steps down amid graft allegations

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz stepped down from his post on Saturday in the wake of corruption allegations.

"My country is more important to me than my person. What is needed now is stable conditions. I want to make room to prevent chaos and ensure stability," Kurz said in a live TV press statement at the Chancellery in the capital Vienna.

The Austrian public prosecutor's office is investigating Kurz and close members of his team on suspicions of corruption and breach of trust. The process had sparked a government crisis.

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg will take over Kurz's duties following his resignation.