Wolfgang Schüssel becomes 80: politician meets clear words about Kickl

Wolfgang Schüssel becomes 80: politician meets clear words about Kickl

Wolfgang Schüssel, former Chancellor and long -time head of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), celebrated his 80th birthday on June 7, 2025. In several interviews, he commented on the current political situation in Austria and showed himself as supporters of the current federal government, which consists of ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS. Schüssel in particular criticized the Austria's Freedom Party (FPÖ) under Herbert Kickl, who in his opinion took the political game. He found that there was no "basic consensus on Europe" within the FPÖ and described Kickl's attitude to the EU as not serious.

bowl warned of a permanent total opposition of the FPÖ and made it clear that no coalition with the FPÖ was not possible with the FPÖ without compromises in relation to pro-European, pro-market economy and pro-liberal democracy views. In the interviews, he praised the "unexcited" coalition under Christian Stocker (ÖVP) and expressed positive views about Neos boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger and the SPÖ finance minister Markus Marterbauer. Remarkably, he left the current Vice Chancellor and SPÖ boss, Andreas Babler, uncommented.

criticism of the FPÖ

The rejection of the FPÖ is not new for bowls, which experienced the government participation of the freedom in the past as problematic. During his time as a chancellor, from 2000 to 2007, the coalition led to protests and international tensions with the FPÖ. These experiences let him consider the current situation carefully. In his analysis, he sees the need for agreement on European issues as crucial for political stability in Austria.

Christian Stocker, the current ÖVP boss, thanked Schüssel in a broadcast for his long-term influence on the party and the country. In particular, Stocker Schüssel emphasized merits in the areas of foreign policy, pension reform and the introduction of the euro. These topics are still of central importance for Austrian society and politics.

insight into Schüssel's political career

Wolfgang Schüssel was born in Vienna on June 7, 1945 and began his political career in the ÖVP. From 1989 to 2007 he was a member of the Austrian federal government in various cabinets and served as Chancellor from 2000 to 2007. During his term in office, he implemented significant reforms and was intensively involved in European affairs, including his role as chairman of the European Council in the first half of 2006. After his resignation as Chancellor in January 2007, various missions followed in international committees, among other things as President of the Austrian Society for Foreign Policy and the United Nations.

bowl is also known for its controversy views and was referred to as "silence chancellor" and "turning chancellor". Extensive pension and tax reforms were carried out under his mandate, despite criticism of the high tax and tax rate and unemployment.

his life is not only shaped by politics. Schüssel is married and has two children, including a daughter who works as an actress. In addition to politics, he has numerous hobbies, including playing several musical instruments as well as mountain hiking and drawing. Schüssel's contribution to Austrian politics is unforgettable, while he is now entering a new phase of life, shaped by reflection and still active interest in political development in his country.

For more information about Wolfgang Schüssel and his career, you can do the articles from Spiegel and the comprehensive description on wikipedia view.