Franz Vranitzky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franz Vranitzky
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Vranitzky in 2020
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| Chancellor of Austria | |
| In office 16 June 1986 – 28 January 1997 |
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| President | Rudolf Kirchschläger Kurt Waldheim Thomas Klestil |
| Vice-Chancellor | Norbert Steger Alois Mock Josef Riegler Erhard Busek Wolfgang Schüssel |
| Preceded by | Fred Sinowatz |
| Succeeded by | Viktor Klima |
| Chair of the Social Democratic Party | |
| In office 11 May 1988 – 9 April 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Fred Sinowatz |
| Succeeded by | Viktor Klima |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 10 September 1984 – 16 June 1986 |
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| Chancellor | Fred Sinowatz |
| Preceded by | Herbert Salcher |
| Succeeded by | Viktor Klima |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 October 1937 Vienna, Federal State of Austria (now Austria) |
| Political party | Social Democratic Party |
| Spouse |
Christine Christen
(m. 1962) |
| Signature |  |
Franz Vranitzky, born on October 4, 1937, is an important Austrian politician. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ). He served as the Chancellor of Austria, which is like the head of government, from 1986 to 1997.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Growing Up in Vienna
Franz Vranitzky was born in Vienna, Austria. His father worked in a foundry, so Franz grew up in a modest home. He went to the Realgymnasium Geblergasse school. Later, he studied economics and finished his degree in 1960. To pay for his studies, he taught Latin and English. He also worked as a construction worker.
Sports and Family Life
When he was young, Vranitzky loved playing basketball. He was even part of Austria's national team. In 1960, his team tried to qualify for the Summer Olympics in Rome, but they didn't make it. In 1962, Vranitzky married Christine Christen. They had two children together.
Starting His Career
Vranitzky began his professional life in 1961 at Siemens-Schuckert. A year later, he moved to Austria's central bank, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank. In 1969, he earned a doctorate in international business. The next year, he became an economic and financial advisor to the finance minister, Hannes Androsch. Vranitzky then worked in leadership roles at several banks, including Creditanstalt-Bankverein and Länderbank.
Becoming Finance Minister
In 1984, Vranitzky joined the government as the Minister of Finance. He was part of a coalition government formed by the SPÖ and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).
Serving as Chancellor of Austria
Taking on the Role
In 1986, the Chancellor at the time, Fred Sinowatz, resigned. This happened after Kurt Waldheim was elected president. Waldheim's election caused some international discussion because of questions about his past during World War II. Sinowatz suggested Franz Vranitzky as his replacement. Vranitzky became Chancellor on June 16, 1986.
Changes in Government
At first, Vranitzky continued the government with the Freedom Party. But in September 1986, a new leader, Jörg Haider, took over the Freedom Party. Vranitzky decided to end the partnership with them. He then called for new elections.
In the elections held in November 1986, Vranitzky's Social Democratic Party remained the strongest. In January 1987, he formed a new government. This was a "grand coalition" with the second-largest party, the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). Alois Mock became the Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister. In 1988, Vranitzky also became the chairman of his own party.
Austria's Place in the World
For several years, Austria's foreign policy was affected by the discussions around President Waldheim. Some countries, like the United States, did not welcome Waldheim. Vranitzky worked hard to improve Austria's relationships with these countries. He often took on diplomatic duties that would normally be done by the president.
In 1991, Vranitzky gave an important speech in parliament. He said that while Austria as a state was not responsible for the pain caused during World War II, some Austrian citizens were. This was a big change from how Austria had officially viewed its past.
Joining the European Union
After the Cold War ended, Vranitzky focused on building stronger ties with countries in Eastern Europe. He was also a strong supporter of Austria joining the European Union. On June 12, 1994, Austrians voted in a referendum, and 66% said yes to joining the EU. Austria officially became a member in January 1995. During this process, Austria's military neutrality, which meant it didn't take sides in conflicts, was confirmed.
Political Challenges
Vranitzky kept his distance from Jörg Haider's Freedom Party. This led to some political tension. In the 1990 and 1994 elections, Vranitzky's coalition government faced challenges. Despite some losses, his party and the ÖVP remained the two largest. He continued the coalition with the ÖVP. In January 1997, Vranitzky resigned as Chancellor and as party chairman. His finance minister, Viktor Klima, took over both roles.
After Being Chancellor
After leaving office, Vranitzky worked as a representative for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Albania. He then returned to the banking world, working as a political consultant. He also joined the boards of companies like Magna and TUI.
In 2005, Vranitzky showed great personal courage. He donated one of his kidneys to his wife, Christine, who was suffering from kidney failure.
He continued to support his political party. He also chairs the Vranitzky colloquia, which are meetings that discuss economic topics and their impact on Austria and Europe.
Images for kids
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Franz Vranitzky and Otto Stich, 1986
See also
In Spanish: Franz Vranitzky para niños
