Former Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz quits politics

VIENNA

Former Austrian Chancellor and leader of the Conservative People’s Party (OVP) Sebastian Kurz said Thursday that he is leaving politics.

In a statement to the media, Kurz thanked everyone who supported him during his 10-year career, from his term as secretary-general to prime minister.

He said he conducted his duties with great enthusiasm and joy but various developments, especially accusations of corruption, bribery and breach of trust in the last months and weeks, discouraged him from performing his job.

The decision to quit was not easy, he said, and again denied the accusations and reiterated his belief that the claims would be clarified in court.

"As chancellor, you have so many decisions that you have to make every day, that you know early on that you will also make wrong decisions," he said. "You're always under observation. You also constantly have the feeling that you're being hunted.”

The prosecutor's office launched an investigation against Kurz, known for his controversial decisions against Muslims in Austria and his anti-immigrant and anti-Turkish rhetoric.

Kurz had to resign as prime minister Oct. 9 under pressure of the Green Party.