Raab, Julius#

Raab, Julius, b. St. Poelten (Lower Austria), Nov. 29, 1891, d. Vienna, Jan. 8, 1964, civil engineer and politician (Austrian People´s Party, OeVP). 1927-1934 member of the Nationalrat; leader of the Heimwehr (para-military force) in Lower Austria, initiated the foundation of the trade federation, 1938 Minister of Trade and Transport; co-founder and president of the Federal Economic Chamber and of the Austrian Economic League, co-founder of the Austrian People´s Party (OeVP) in 1945. 1952-1960 federal chairman of the OeVP, 1945-1964 member of the Nationalrat, 1953-1961 Federal Chancellor, 1963 OeVP candidate in the presidential elections. As president of the Federal Economic Chamber ( Wirtschaftskammer Oesterreich, 1946-1953 and 1961-1964,) R. regarded economic and social policies as inseparable. His term as chancellor saw close cooperation between the Conservatives (OeVP) and the Socialists (SPOe). Was responsible for the new economic concept ("Raab-Kamitz-Kurs"), which contributed to the stabilisation of the Austrian currency, helped create full employment and developed a welfare state. R. supported the policy of European integration (Austria's adhesion to EFTA) and with J. Boehm he established the Austrian social partnership. His popularity reached a peak with the signing of the State Treaty, Austrian in 1955. His economic and political (state treaty) achievements made him a chancellor of historic importance.

Work: Selbstportrait eines Politikers, 1964.

Literature#