Kurz, the former chancellor of Austria, announced his departure from politics.

Austrian leader Sebastian Kurz has announced his resignation as leader of the center-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) following a raid by Austrian prosecutors on suspicion of bribery and breach of trust.

Kurz, who stepped down as chancellor in October, was replaced by Alexander Schallenberg, who also announced his resignation as leader of the government.

Schallenberg believes both positions should be held by the same person. Kurz said his enthusiasm for his team has waned in recent weeks due to corruption allegations against him.

He also admitted to making mistakes in his 10-year political career and looks forward to proving the allegations against him in court. Austrian prosecutors are investigating claims that government money was used to ensure positive coverage in a daily newspaper. Kurz’s party was the driving force behind a law banning full-face Muslim veils in public spaces in 2017.

He arrived in power just as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s grip in Germany appeared to be weakening and seemed keen to dismantle some of her welcoming approach to migrants. He and his government lost a vote of no-confidence in May 2019 following a corruption scandal.