Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

(1911–90), Chancellor of austria (1970–83). This Social Democrat first became noteworthy for his role in helping to negotiate the 1955 State Treaty, which restored full Austrian sovereignty in return for guarantees of permanent neutrality . Kreisky began his chancellorship with a minority administration, but from 1971 until 1983 was able to govern with a parliamentary majority and to establish himself as Austria's most influential politician of the post-1945 epoch. He pursued socially progressive policies, and improved relations with neighboring communist regimes. He also urged greater European support for the emerging economies of Africa and Asia, and, notwithstanding his own Jewish background, showed particular sympathy for the cause of Palestinian nationhood. ... log in or subscribe to read full text