Strache, Heinz-Christian

(1969–)

   Formally trained as a dental technician, Strache became national leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) in 2005. His earlier political career had been in local politics in Vienna. Though initially close to onetime FPÖ chairman Jörg Haider, Strache had fallen out with him by hinting that he might run against Haider’s sister for the office. The possibility that Strache might win was one reason that Haider broke with the FPÖ to form the Alliance for the Future of Austria (BZÖ) in 2005. Strache’s national campaigns in 2006 and 2008 combined appeals to populist resentment of major party elites and fears that new immigrants from eastern Europe, Africa, and the Islamic regions of the world will cut into the social services and jobs available to Austrian citizens. His sloganeering in 2006 was especially offensive to the large Turkish community in Vienna. Like the late Jörg Haider, he has also been accused of neo-Nazi sympathies, charges that he has vigorously denied. Under his leadership, the FPÖ has seen a considerable revival of its fortunes at the polls, winning over 20 percent of the vote in the national elections of 2008.

   See also Political Parties.