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Wolfgang SchusselAustrian politician
Date of Birth: 07.06.1945
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Wolfgang Schüssel: A Statesman of Austria
- Cabinet Positions
- Chancellor of Austria
- Consolidation of Power
- 2006 Crisis and Legacy
- EU Presidency and Retirement
Wolfgang Schüssel: A Statesman of Austria
Early Life and Political BeginningsWolfgang Schüssel was born in Vienna, Austria on June 7, 1945. His political career began in 1968 when he became secretary of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) parliamentary group, a position he held until 1975.
Cabinet Positions
In 1989, Schüssel became Minister of Economic Affairs in a coalition government led by Socialist Chancellor Franz Vranitzky. In 1995, he was elected ÖVP leader and served as Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs under Chancellor Viktor Klima.
Chancellor of Austria
After the 1999 parliamentary elections, Schüssel formed a controversial government with the nationalist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) led by Jörg Haider. He became the first ÖVP Chancellor in 30 years.
Consolidation of Power
The 2003 parliamentary elections significantly weakened the FPÖ, strengthening the ÖVP's position in government. In 2005, after a split within the FPÖ, Schüssel formed a government with the BZÖ, led by Heinz-Christian Strache.
2006 Crisis and Legacy
In 2006, Schüssel became acting Minister of the Interior after the death of Liese Prokop. He stepped down as Chancellor on January 11, 2007, and was replaced by Socialist leader Alfred Gusenbauer. Schüssel remained active in politics as a member of the National Council, leading the ÖVP parliamentary group since 2006.
EU Presidency and Retirement
During the first half of 2006, Schüssel held the presidency of the European Union. He retired from politics in 2007, succeeded by Wilhelm Molterrer as ÖVP leader and Vice-Chancellor.
