Bruno Kreisky, Austria And Hungary, History, Biographies

Related Category: Austria And Hungary, History, Biographies

Bruno Kreisky[brOO´nO krI´skE] Pronunciation Key, 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.

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