Bruno Kreisky

Bruno Kreisky , 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 Klaus 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 (b. 22 Jan. 1911, d. 29 July 1990). Chancellor of Austria 1970–83 Born in Vienna into a wealthy Jewish family, he studied at Vienna and obtained a doctorate in jurisprudence. He was imprisoned twice (1935–7, 1938) for his political activities on behalf of the Social Democrats. After the Anschluss, he escaped to Sweden, where he became an official for the Austrian legation after the war (1946–51). After his return he worked in the President's Office (1951–3) and became Secretary of State in the Chancellery (1953–9), where he played an important part in negotiating the Austrian State Treaty which gave Austria full sovereignty. A strong advocate of neutrality, he was Foreign Secretary (1959–66). He became president of the Social Democratic Party, and in 1970 formed a minority government, though from 1971–83 he governed with an absolute majority. His understanding of neutrality did not preclude committed international involvement. For example, his Jewish origins notwithstanding, he was very critical of Israel's policies towards the Palestinians, and became the first Western leader to recognize the PLO in 1980. He was immensely popular at home thanks to his charisma and his ambitious social policies. He used the country's neutrality to entertain good and unproblematic relations with Austria's Communist neighbours, and was deeply committed to the problems of the less developed countries in Africa and Asia.