Helmer, Oskar#
b. Gattendorf (Burgenland), Nov. 16, 1887, d. Vienna, Feb. 13, 1963, politician (Austrian Social Democratic Party, SPOe), one of the leading personalities in political life after World War II. Originally compositor, 1910 editor of the newspapers "Gleichheit" and "Wiener Volkstribuene", 1920-1921 strove to integrate Burgenland (member of the administrative committee), 1921-1934 and 1945 member of the Lower Austrian provincial government. 1930-1934 together with K. Renner, H. Schneidmadl and others he tried to settle conflicts in home affairs, 1934 imprisoned, 1935-1945 worked for insurance firms. In 1945 together with L. Figl re-organised the Lower Austrian provincial administration and became permanent subordinate Staatssekretaer in the Renner government. 1945-1959 as Minister of the Interior, built up the police force and fought against encroachment by the occupying powers. Supported the Great Coalition (between Austrian People's Party and SPOe). 1945-1959 member of the Nationalrat and vice chairman of the SPOe, 1959 president of Austrian Laenderbank.
Works#
Oe. Kampf um die Freiheit, 1949; 50 Jahre erlebte Geschichte, 1957; Ausgew. Reden and Schriften, ed. by J. Hannak, 1963; Aufbruch gegen das Unrecht, 1964.Literature#
W. Svoboda, Die Partei, die Republik und der Mann mit den vielen Gesichtern, 1993; NDB.