Changes

===Political Conditions===

===Political Conditions===

Since [[World War II]], Austria enjoyed political stability. A Socialist elder statesman, Dr. Karl Renner, organized an Austrian administration in the aftermath of the war, and the country held general elections in November 1945. All three major parties—the [[Austrian People's Party]] (ÖVP), the Socialists (later Social Democratic Party or SPÖ), and [[Communists]]—governed until 1947, when the Communists left the government. The ÖVP then led a governing coalition with the SPÖ that governed until 1966.  

Since [[World War II]], Austria enjoyed political stability. A Socialist elder statesman, Dr. Karl Renner, organized an Austrian administration in the aftermath of the war, and the country held general elections in November 1945. All three major parties—the [[Austrian People's Party]] (ÖVP), the Socialists (later [[Social Democratic Party (Austria)|Social Democratic Party]] or SPÖ), and [[Communists]]—governed until 1947, when the Communists left the government. The ÖVP then led a governing coalition with the SPÖ that governed until 1966.  

Between 1970 and 1999, the SPÖ governed the country either alone or with junior coalition partners. In 1999, the ÖVP formed a coalition with the right wing, populist [[Freedom Party of Austria]] (FPÖ), which had dramatically increased in size under the leadership of [[Jörg Haider]]. The SPÖ, which was the strongest party in the 1999 elections, and the Greens formed the opposition. The FPÖ had gained support because of populist tactics, and many feared it would represent right wing extremism. As a result, the [[European Union]] (EU) imposed a series of sanctions on Austria. The U.S. and Israel, as well as various other countries, also reduced contacts with the Austrian Government. After a period of close observation, the EU lifted sanctions, and the U.S. revised its contacts policy. In the 2002 elections, the ÖVP became the largest party, and the FPÖ's strength declined by more than half. Nevertheless, the ÖVP renewed its coalition with the FPÖ in February 2003. In national elections in October 2006, the SPÖ became the largest party, edging the ÖVP. On January 11, 2007, an SPÖ-led Grand Coalition took office, with the ÖVP as junior partner.  

Between 1970 and 1999, the SPÖ governed the country either alone or with junior coalition partners. In 1999, the ÖVP formed a coalition with the right wing, populist [[Freedom Party of Austria]] (FPÖ), which had dramatically increased in size under the leadership of [[Jörg Haider]]. The SPÖ, which was the strongest party in the 1999 elections, and the Greens formed the opposition. The FPÖ had gained support because of populist tactics, and many feared it would represent right wing extremism. As a result, the [[European Union]] (EU) imposed a series of sanctions on Austria. The [[United States|U.S.]] and [[Israel]], as well as various other countries, also reduced contacts with the Austrian Government. Israel even recalled its ambassador to Vienna for three years because the FPÖ joined the coalition.<ref>Keinon, Herb (December 19, 2017). [http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/For-now-Israel-wont-deal-with-far-right-Austrian-Freedom-Party-ministers-518447 For Now, Israel Won't Deal with Far-Right Austrian Freedom Party Ministers]. ''The Jerusalem Post''. Retrieved February 7, 2018.</ref> After a period of close observation, the EU lifted sanctions, and the U.S. revised its contacts policy. In the 2002 elections, the ÖVP became the largest party, and the FPÖ's strength declined by more than half. Nevertheless, the ÖVP renewed its coalition with the FPÖ in February 2003. In national elections in October 2006, the SPÖ became the largest party, edging the ÖVP. On January 11, 2007, an SPÖ-led Grand Coalition took office, with the ÖVP as junior partner.  

The Social Democratic Party traditionally draws its constituency from blue- and white-collar workers. Accordingly, much of its strength lies in urban and industrialized areas. In the 2006 national elections, it garnered 35.3% of the vote. In the past, the SPÖ advocated state involvement in Austria's key industries, the extension of social security benefits, and a full-employment policy. Beginning in the mid-1980s, it shifted its focus to free market-oriented economic policies, balancing the federal budget, and European Union membership.  

The Social Democratic Party traditionally draws its constituency from blue- and white-collar workers. Accordingly, much of its strength lies in urban and industrialized areas. In the 2006 national elections, it garnered 35.3% of the vote. In the past, the SPÖ advocated state involvement in Austria's key industries, the extension of social security benefits, and a full-employment policy. Beginning in the mid-1980s, it shifted its focus to free market-oriented economic policies, balancing the federal budget, and European Union membership.