Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz condemned the far-right's scandals after announcing over the weekend that the country will hold elections in early September following the resignation of the vice-chancellor.
Heinz-Christian Strache, the country's now former vice-chancellor and leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), resigned on Saturday after German newspapers published footage of him appearing to offer public contracts to a Russian backer.
He said at the news conference that the scandal had damaged Austria's image.
Kurz said that there needed to be an investigation into whether or not there should be criminal charges.
He condemned the actions of Interior Minister Herbert Kickl saying he should not lead the investigation.
At the news conference, the Austrian chancellor touted his government's economic achievements and said he wanted to continue his government's legacy without scandals, corruption, and negative events.
He asked the opposition parties to contribute to Austria's stability, especially in the next months.
In the next week, the country will have a discussion about the future of the European Union. He said he would work to make sure the center parties would be strengthened.
The scandal has led to speculation about the future of the coalition between Kurz's center-right People's Party and the FPÖ. Kurz said on Sunday that he did not think the FPÖ was willing to change, and he called for snap elections.
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