Österreich Kurz: A Guide to Austria's Controversial Ex-Chancellor
Early Life and Political Career
Sebastian Kurz was born in Vienna, Austria, on August 27, 1986. He studied law at the University of Vienna and entered politics in 2011 as a member of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP).
In 2013, Kurz was appointed State Secretary for Integration and Foreign Affairs, and in 2015, he became Foreign Minister.
Rise to Power
In 2017, Kurz was elected leader of the ÖVP. He campaigned on a promise to reduce immigration and take a tougher stance on law and order.
In the 2017 parliamentary election, the ÖVP won the most seats, and Kurz became Chancellor of Austria at the age of 31.
Controversial Policies
Kurz's government implemented a number of controversial policies, including:
- Reducing welfare benefits for asylum seekers
- Increasing border controls
- Banning the wearing of headscarves in schools
These policies were criticized by human rights groups and the political opposition.
Corruption Investigations
In 2020, Kurz was implicated in a corruption scandal related to a public opinion poll. He denied any wrongdoing, but he resigned as Chancellor in May 2021 after the public prosecutor's office launched an investigation.
Legacy
Kurz remains a polarizing figure in Austrian politics. His supporters credit him with reducing unemployment and taking a strong stance on immigration. However, his critics accuse him of authoritarianism and xenophobia.
Kurz's legacy is likely to be debated for years to come.
Österreich Kurz
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