The Austrian People’s Party appointed “Christian Stöckl” as its interim leader after Chancellor Karl Nehammer stepped down following the collapse of coalition government talks.

According to Kronen Zeitung, Stöckl, the 64-year-old Secretary-General, will hold the position temporarily.

Negotiations between the two largest centrist parties faltered after the “New Austria” party withdrew from the talks.

Nehammer announced his resignation after failing to reach an agreement with the other parties.