Kreisky, Bruno


Kreisky, Bruno

(bro͞o`nō krī`skē), 1911–90, Austrian Socialist politician. He served as a diplomat and foreign affairs minister (1959–66). His goal of Austrian independence and neutrality was realized in a treaty in 1955 that he helped negotiate. Elected chairman of the Socialist party in 1967, he led the Socialists to victory in 1970 but failed to gain a majority of the seats in parliament. After the People's party under Josef KlausKlaus, Josef
, 1910–2001, Austrian politician. He was drafted into the army and fought in World War II on the Axis side. Chosen leader (1963) of the business- and church-oriented People's party, Klaus tended to oppose compromises with the party's coalition partner, the
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 refused to continue the long-standing coalition, Kreisky became chancellor and formed a minority government, the first single-party government in Austria since World War II. He gained a majority in 1971, and was known for his "active neutrality" with Eastern European neighbors. As chancellor, he increased Austria's role in world affairs and presided over a growing economy. He resigned in 1983.

Kreisky, Bruno

 

Born Jan. 22, 1911, in Vienna. Austrian statesman.

Kreisky graduated from the law faculty of the University of Vienna. Until 1938 he was involved in the work of the Union of Socialist Youth. When Austria was seized by fascist Germany (March 1938), he emigrated to Sweden. After the liberation of Austria (1945) he returned to Vienna. From 1953 to 1959 he was state secretary for foreign affairs, and from 1959 to 1966 he was minister of foreign affairs. From 1959 to 1967 he was vice-chairman of the Socialist Party of Austria, becoming chairman in February 1967. Since April 1970 he has been the federal chancellor (head of government) of Austria.