Raab, Julius

(1891–1964)

   Trained as a building engineer, Raab began his political career as a representative to the National Assembly of the First Austrian Republic from 1927 to 1934. He was also a leader of the Heimwehr in Lower Austria. In 1938, he served as minister of trade and transport in the government of Kurt Schuschnigg. Following World War II, Raab was one of the founders of the modern Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), which he served, both directly and indirectly, in several important capacities. Between 1945 and 1964, he was a delegate to the reconstituted National Assembly; from 1952 to 1960 he was party chairman (Bundesparteiobmann). As president of the federal Economic Chambers, he argued for a careful balance between economic and social policy.

   Austrian chancellor during the years 1953–1961, Raab cooperated closely with the Socialist Party of Austria in the Grand Coalition that governed the country. Together, the major parties pursued policies of currency stabilization, full employment, and wide-ranging social benefits, which have characterized Austria through much of its recent history. To integrate the Austrian economy with other European countries, Raab supported his country’s membership in the European Free Trade Association. He was also a major player in the events leading to the conclusion of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955. Raab was the ÖVP presidential candidate in 1963. Intraparty quarreling weakened his position, and he went down in defeat.

   See also Political Parties.