Bruno Kreisky

The Noricum scandal revealed Austrian arms exports to belligerent countries in breach of neutrality-related restrictions. An ORF historical investigation indicates that senior officials, including Kreisky, knew that artillery pieces were destined for Iraq and that Austrian Middle East policy had become intertwined with these sales.

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Political responsibility

Kreisky received Yasser Arafat in Vienna, and Austria subsequently upgraded the PLO's representation, a pioneering policy in Europe that drew strong criticism from Israel and opponents who believed it legitimised an organisation associated with terrorist violence.

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Political responsibility

Kreisky, himself of Jewish origin, stated that Jews did not form a nation, describing them instead as communities linked by a shared history or fate. This conception sparked substantial controversy among Jewish organisations and in Israel.

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Personally implicated

In an interview, Kreisky made highly critical and disparaging remarks about Israeli Prime Minister Menahem Begin and his policies, provoking a strong diplomatic and community reaction.

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Personally implicated

Kreisky committed much of his political authority to the referendum on commissioning the Zwentendorf nuclear power station, suggesting that his political future was tied to the result. The 'no' vote narrowly prevailed and the plant never generated electricity.

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Political responsibility

After Simon Wiesenthal documented that FPÖ leader Friedrich Peter had served in an SS brigade implicated in mass crimes, Kreisky defended Peter and vehemently attacked Wiesenthal, going so far as to accuse him publicly of links to or collaboration with the Gestapo.

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Directly implicated

Following the hostage-taking in Marchegg by two members of Saika, Kreisky agreed to the demand to close the Schönau transit centre to secure the hostages' release. The decision provoked strong international criticism, particularly in Israel.

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Political responsibility

At the beginning of Kreisky's first government, Agriculture Minister Hans Öllinger was publicly implicated over his SS past. Kreisky had appointed and initially defended him; Öllinger eventually resigned.

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Political responsibility