RAKOUSKÁ LIDOVÁ STRANA V POVOLEBNÍM ŠOKU (BŘEZEN – KVĚTEN 1970)

Unexpected defeat in parliamentary elections 1970 resulted on the side the Austrian People’s Party in considerable disorientation. It joined the electoral competition with the image of being a worthy partner with the persuasion that the great coalition was the only possible form for government cooperation. The winning Social Democrats lead by Bruno Kreisky planned to use the historical victory for modernization Austria in harmony with pre-election program. However, coalition negotiations failed due to disagreements on division of ministerial posts. During the following the 13th irregular congress, the ÖVP failed to manifest sufficient courage. The election of Hermann Withalm as a new Chairman of the Party meant giving the priority to the experienced functionary over the competitive younger generation. The Party believed in its possibility of coming to power soon though without the need to carry out necessary personal and program innovations.