Sebastian Kurz

Chancellor of Austria (2017–2019, 2020–2021)

Sebastian Kurz (born 27 August 1986) is a former Austrian politician. He held the post of Chancellor of Austria twice, from 2017 to 2019, and in 2020 and 2021. Before, he was chancellor from 18 December 2017 to 28 May 2019. He was the world's youngest chancellor.

Sebastian Kurz
Chancellor of Austria
In office
7 January 2020 – 11 October 2021
PresidentAlexander Van der Bellen
DeputyWerner Kogler
Preceded byBrigitte Bierlein
Succeeded byAlexander Schallenberg
In office
18 December 2017 – 28 May 2019
PresidentAlexander Van der Bellen
DeputyHeinz-Christian Strache
Hartwig Löger
Preceded byChristian Kern
Succeeded byBrigitte Bierlein
Chairman of the People's Party
In office
15 May 2017 – 3 December 2021
Preceded byReinhold Mitterlehner
Succeeded byKarl Nehammer (acting)
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
16 December 2013 – 18 December 2017
ChancellorWerner Faymann
Christian Kern
Preceded byMichael Spindelegger
Succeeded byKarin Kneissl
Chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
In office
1 January 2017 – 18 December 2017
Secretary GeneralLamberto Zannier
Thomas Greminger
Preceded byFrank-Walter Steinmeier
Succeeded byKarin Kneissl
Further offices held
Member of the National Council
In office
9 November 2017 – 22 January 2018
Nominated byHimself
AffiliationPeople's Party
In office
29 October 2013 – 16 December 2013
Nominated byMichael Spindelegger
AffiliationPeople's Party
President of the Political Academy of the People's Party
In office
1 September 2015 – 12 March 2018
DirectorDietmar Halper
Preceded byWerner Fasslabend
Succeeded byBettina Rausch
State Secretary of the Interior for Integration
In office
21 April 2011 – 16 December 2013
ChancellorWerner Faymann
MinisterJohanna Mikl-Leitner
Member of the State and Municipality
Diet of Vienna
In office
2010–2011
Nominated byChristine Marek
AffiliationPeople's Party
Chairman of the Young People's Party
In office
2009–2017
Preceded bySilvia Grünberger
Succeeded byStefan Schnöll
Personal details
Born (1986-08-27) 27 August 1986 (age 38)
Meidling, Vienna, Austria
Political partyPeople's Party (2009–present)
Domestic partnerSusanne Thier
Parents
  • Elisabeth Kurz
  • Josef Kurz
ResidenceMeidling, Vienna
EducationGRG 12 Erlgasse (Matura)
Signature
Website
Military service
Allegiance Austria
Branch/service Austrian Armed Forces
Years of serviceOctober 2004 – June 2005
Stationed atMaria-Theresien-Kaserne

Career

change

He was Austria's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Integration from 2013 to 2017. He became Europe's youngest Foreign Minister at the age of 27.[1] In May 2017 he became the chairman of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP).

Following the 2017 legislative election, the ÖVP led by Kurz secured the most seats in the National Council, leaving it in a position to lead the next government.[2]

As Chancellor he led the federal government consisting of a coalition of the ÖVP and FPÖ parties since December 18, 2017.[3] He was removed from office on 28 May 2019 by President Alexander Van der Bellen following a political scandal known as the Ibiza affair.[4]

However, he returned to power in 2020 following a snap election. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his government agendas. His response to the pandemic included lockdowns and curfews. Many of his government officials resigned.

An investigation into the Ibiza affair and a corruption inquiry led to Kurz resigning. Alexander Schallenberg, minister for foreign affairs, replaced him as chancellor on 11 October 2021.

References

change
  1. "Austria swears in EU's youngest foreign minister Sebastian Kurz". BBC News. 16 December 2013.
  2. "Austria election results: Far-right set to enter government as conservatives top poll". The Independent. 16 October 2017.
  3. Sebastian Kurz gets approval for coalition with Austrian far right. Politico. 17 December 2017.
  4. "Löger nun Interimskanzler". orf.at (in German). Retrieved 2019-05-27.

Other websites

change

  Media related to Sebastian Kurz at Wikimedia Commons