Kreisky, Bruno (1970–1983)

Bruno Kreisky, Austrian chancellor, Social Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei Österreichs, SPÖ) was elected chairman of the SPÖE in 1967. In the 1970 elections the Socialists defeated the Peoples Party (Österreichische Volkspartei/ÖVP; the party had ruled with an absolute majority since 1966) but missed the absolute majority of seats. After failing to achieve an agreement with the ÖVP, Kreisky became chancellor of a minority cabinet, which was tolerated by the Freedom Party (Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs/FPÖ). In return Kreisky decided (among other things) a change in electoral law to benefit small parties. In October 1971 he [Page 386]called elections by open ballot with the FPÖ, and the Social Democrats won an absolute majority. In the 1975 and 1979 elections he managed to secure his absolute power in ...