| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
| Term of Office: | 8 July 2004 – present |
|---|---|
| Predecessor: | Thomas Klestil |
| Date of Birth: | 9 October 1938 |
| Place of Birth: | Graz, Styria |
| Political Party: | Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) |
Heinz Fischer (born 9 October 1938) is the federal president of Austria. He took office on 8 July 2004.
Born in Graz, Styria, Fischer received a humanistic education, taking his " Matura" exams in 1956. He then studied law at the University of Vienna, earning a doctorate in 19611961 (As MAD Magazine pointed out on its first cover for the year) was the first "upside-down" year i. one that looked the same upside down since 1881, and the last until 6009. Events January January 1 The farthing coin, used since the 13th century, cease. Apart from being a politician, Fischer also pursued an academic career, and became a ProfessorA professor is a senior teacher and researcher, usually in a college or university. Overview Professors give lectures and seminars in their field of study, such as science or literature. They also do advanced research in their fields and are supposed to d of Political SciencePolitical science is the study of politics. It involves the study of structure and process in government or any equivalent system that attempts to assure safety, fairness, and closure across a broad range of risks and access to a broad range of commons fo at the University of Innsbruck in 1993.
Fischer was a member of the Austrian parliament ( Nationalrat) from 1971 and served as one of its presiding officers from 1990 till 2004. From 1983 to 1987 he was Minister for Science in a coalition government headed by Fred Sinowatz.
In January 2004 Fischer announced that he would run for President to succeed Thomas Klestil. He was elected on 25 April 2004 as the candidate of the opposition Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ). He polled 52.4 per cent of the vote to defeat Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Foreign Minister in the ruling conservative coalition led by the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP).
Fischer was sworn in on 8 July 2004 and took over the office from the presidents of the parliament, who had acted for the president following Klestil's death on 6 July.
Apart from labelling him, in a slightly derogatory fashion, as a Berufspolitiker ("professional politician") who allegedly has never been in touch with the real world, Fischer's critics, first and foremost his colleague at university, Norbert Leser , point out that Fischer has always avoided controversy and conflict, even when that would have been called for. The example frequently quoted in this context is Fischer's tacit support of Bruno Kreisky's attacks on Simon Wiesenthal. On being nominated for Federal President, Fischer himself said that he hated antagonising people and that he considered this quality an asset rather than anything else.
Fischer, who calls himself an agnostic, has been married since 1968. The couple have two grown-up children. Fischer enjoys mountaineering and has been president of the Austrian Naturefriends for many years.