Klima, Victor

(1947–)

   Becoming chairman of the Socialist Party of Austria (SPÖ) of Austria in 1997, Klima succeeded Franz Vranitzky as federal chancellor as well. Born in Vienna, he specialized in business information technology at Vienna’s Technical University and at the University of Vienna. His subsequent career was both in business and Socialist politics. Klima worked from 1969 to 1992 for the Austrian petroleum industry in a variety of positions, particularly in its financial offices. Raised in a family in which SPÖ traditions were very strong, he began his party activities in 1966.

   From 1992 to 1996, Klima was minister for Nationalized Industry and Transportation. He was federal minister of finance at the time that he was called to higher office.

   See also Economy.