Matthias Strolz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matthias Strolz
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Chairman of the NEOS | |
In office 27 October 2012 – 23 June 2018 |
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Preceded by | office established |
Succeeded by | Beate Meinl-Reisinger |
Leader of the NEOS in the National Council | |
In office 29 October 2013 – 26 September 2018 |
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Chairman | himself Beate Meinl-Reisinger |
Preceded by | office established |
Succeeded by | Beate Meinl-Reisinger |
Personal details | |
Born | Bludenz, Vorarlberg |
10 June 1973
Political party | NEOS |
Education | Bundesgymnasium und Bundesrealgymnasium Bludenz |
Alma mater | University of Innsbruck |
Occupation | Business consultant (formerly) |
Website | NEOS Website Personal Twitter Personal Facebook |
Matthias Strolz (born 10 June 1973) is an Austrian politician. He is known for starting the political party called NEOS – The New Austria and Liberal Forum. He was also the first leader of this party. From 2013 to 2018, he was a member of Austria's parliament, known as the National Council.
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Early Life and Education
Matthias Strolz was born on 10 June 1973 in Bludenz, a town in Vorarlberg, Austria. He grew up in a nearby village called Wald am Arlberg.
School and University
In 1991, Matthias finished his high school education. This was at the Bundesgymnasium Bludenz. While in school, from 1990 to 1991, he was the main student representative for the region of Vorarlberg.
After high school, Matthias studied international economics and political science. He went to the University of Innsbruck. During his studies, he also spent a semester abroad in Dublin, Ireland, in 1994 and 1995. In 1996, he became the chairman of the student association at the University of Innsbruck.
Early Career Steps
Before becoming a politician, Matthias worked as a freelance journalist. He also served in the Austrian Armed Forces. In 2000, he became a certified business consultant. He also worked as a trainee at the Federation of Austrian Industries. Around this time, he worked for a politician named Karlheinz Kopf. In 2003, Matthias Strolz earned a special degree (a doctorate) from the University of Klagenfurt.
Founding a Political Party
In 2001, Matthias Strolz started his own company called ic2 consulting GmbH. Later, he also managed another company. However, he stopped his business work in October 2012. This was because he decided to start a new political party.
NEOS is Born
On 27 October 2012, Matthias Strolz founded the new political party called NEOS. He was chosen as its first leader. Before the 2013 national elections, NEOS teamed up with another party, the Liberal Forum. This partnership helped them get enough votes to enter the National Council. They received 5.0% of the votes.
Time in Parliament
On 29 October 2013, Matthias Strolz officially became a member of the Austrian National Council. In parliament, he served as the leader of the NEOS and Liberal Forum group. In January 2014, NEOS and the Liberal Forum officially joined together. The new party was named NEOS – The New Austria and Liberal Forum. Matthias Strolz was again elected as the party chairman.
On 7 May 2018, Matthias Strolz announced that he would step down. He resigned as the party leader and as a member of parliament.
Personal Life
Matthias Strolz has been married to his wife, Irene, since 2005. They have three daughters. He lives with his family in Mauer, which is a part of Vienna, Austria.