Heinz Fischer served two consecutive terms as the President of Austria, holding the office from 2004 until 2016. A long-standing figure in Austrian politics, he balanced his career as a jurist and university teacher with multiple high-level parliamentary roles, ultimately leading the nation through a twelve-year tenure marked by his background in the Social Democratic Party.
Academic and Early Foundations
Born in Graz on 9 October 1938, Fischer completed his primary and secondary schooling before enrolling at the University of Vienna in 1956. He focused his studies on law, earning his doctorate in 1961. His professional development combined legal expertise with political engagement. He eventually transitioned into academia, serving as a professor of Political Science at the University of Innsbruck starting in 1994.
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Fischer maintained a consistent presence in the National Council of Austria, serving as a member from 1971 to 1983 and again from 1987 to 2004. Between 1983 and 1987, he acted as the Federal Minister of Science and Research. He held the position of President of the National Council of Austria for over a decade, spanning 1990 to 2002, followed by a tenure as Second President of the National Council from 2002 to 2004.
Presidential Tenure
In 2004, Fischer successfully campaigned to succeed Thomas Klestil as President of Austria. He secured his first term by defeating Benita Ferrero-Waldner with 52.4 percent of the vote, officially taking office on 8 July 2004. He suspended his membership in the Social Democratic Party upon his inauguration. In 2010, he won reelection for a second six-year term, receiving 79 percent of the vote in an election characterized by a 53.6 percent turnout.
Diplomatic and Post-Presidential Activity
Throughout his career and retirement, Fischer received numerous international distinctions, including the Grand Collar of the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. In 2017, he participated in the founding of the Ban Ki-Moon Centre for Global Citizens in Vienna. He remains an honorary citizen of Vienna, a status granted in 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 9 October 1938, Graz
- Presidency: 2004-2016
- Doctorate: University of Vienna, 1961
- Political Party: Social Democratic Party of Austria
- Spouse: Margit Binder
- Religion: Agnosticism
- Languages: German
Questions readers ask
What was Heinz Fischer's primary academic focus?
He studied law at the University of Vienna and later served as a professor of Political Science at the University of Innsbruck.
Did Fischer remain a member of his political party while serving as president?
No, he suspended his membership in the Social Democratic Party of Austria upon assuming the presidency in 2004.
