Josef Taus: A life for Austria - memory of a visionary

Josef Taus: A life for Austria - memory of a visionary

On December 14, 2024, the ORF changed its program to commemorate the late Josef Taus. The documentary “Josef Taus – A Man Against Kreisky” will be broadcast on ORF 2 on Sunday, December 15th at 11:10 p.m. The documentary was produced on the occasion of his 90th birthday in 2023 and sheds light on the political career of the ÖVP federal party chairman, who tried to defeat SPÖ Chancellor Bruno Kreisky in the late 1970s. The thrilling TV duels between Taus and Kreisky are seen as paving the way for modern election campaigns in Austria, although Kreisky ultimately gave the better picture OTS reported.

Josef Taus, born in Vienna in 1933, came from humble beginnings. His father was a butcher's assistant, and the family struggled with deprivation on Sundays. Despite these circumstances, he attended high school and later studied law and at the University of World Trade. He started his professional career as a business editor at the “Wiener Zeitung” before entering politics. After various positions, including state secretary and federal party chairman of the ÖVP, he ran for the chancellorship twice and thus shaped Austrian politics, even if he was denied great success ORF reported.

Influential career and legacy

Taus' influence on the country's economy and politics was remarkable. He took on numerous leadership positions in the private sector and was instrumental in founding Management Trust Holding (MTH). Despite health problems, he remained entrepreneurially active well into his old age and left behind an important legacy. Chancellor Karl Nehammer praised Taus as a “formative personality” and underlined his tireless commitment to the republic. Politicians and companions also expressed their sadness at the loss, as with him a visionary entrepreneur and politician emerged from the scene who had a positive influence on the Austrian economy and society for many years.