Walter Laqueur,  author of numerous books on European politics and history.
„The most reliable, the most informative book on contemporary Austria. A joy to read.“

The speech of the Federal  Minister for Foreign Affairs on the occasion of introducing "Inside Austria"


Dr. Michael Spindelegger

Mr. Consul-General,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Professor Paul Lendvai,

Paul Lendvai’s personal history is without any doubt closely connected to the European history, the history of Austria and her relationship to the USA. His life concurs with some of the most eventful and turbulent years in the history of Central Europe. He experienced  a divided and subsequently reunited Europe and he dedicated his professional ambitions to write about these events. In this context it should be mentioned  that whenever Prof. Lendvai talks and writes about the political history of Austria and Europe he does this based on his own personal experience. A fact that enriches his writing and brings it to life for his readers.

Prof. Lendvai worked as a journalist in Hungary before he fled the country in 1957 following the Hungarian Revolution. Arriving in Austria as a refugee he was granted asylum on grounds of political persecution. In 1960 he became foreign correspondent for the Financial Times and is working ever since then for leading Austrian and international newspapers. In addition as a European out of conviction, Paul Lendvai hosts the “Europastudio”, a leading Austrian TV-program serving as a platform of discussion on European politics. Furthermore he is also the author of a renowned biography about the former Austrian chancellor Kreisky and of numerous publications on south-eastern Europe.

In his recent book “Inside Austria – New Challenges, old Demons” which we are presenting today here at the  Austrian General Consulate in New York Paul Lendvai has made yet another contribution to the understanding and promotion of a modern, contemporary Austria. In doing so he has fought against anti-Austrian clichés however never lacking a critical perspective. “Inside Austria – New Challenges, old Demons” provides for a thrilling overview about Austria’s political history from 1945 until today. The foundation of the second Republic, the State Treaty, the economic miracle, the period of reformation of Josef Klaus, the Kreisky years, the Waldheim affair and the Vranitzky and Schüssel governments form basic chapters of Paul Lendvai’s publication. The authenticity of a political connoisseur is noticeable to the reader on every page of Prof. Lendvai’s oeuvre. 

In his publications Paul Lendvai has made a significant contribution to Austria’s efforts in coming to terms with her wartime history. In numerous talks and discussions, his high credibility – both in Europe and the US - helped considerably to present an objective picture of these efforts. Furthermore Paul Lendvai is also continuously presenting Austria’s economic success story to the world. As a result of the American led Marshall Plan one of the poorest European countries has become the fourth richest member state of the EU. Something we should really be proud of.

Paul Lendvai’s personal history may connect with the history of many among you:  Having to flee from persecution in one country, finding a new home somewhere else, yet being rooted in both, the culture of the old and the new home country. This very personal experience, led Prof. Lendvai to an in-depth understanding for both of his home countries, Austria and Hungary, and made him an indispensible bridge-builder not only within Europe, but also between Europe and the United States. Many of his publications have been translated into English - as it was the case for “Inside Austria”. This greatly contributed towards putting European topics on the US-map and to a better understanding for Europe and Austria in the USA.

On a day-to-day basis Paul Lendvai acts in various ways as an intermediator  between Europe and the US: as a guest-lecturer at numerous universities throughout the US, on a more personal and individual level through his ever-growing network of friends and via his widespread contacts with think tanks, NGOs and the academic world. Thus Paul Lendvai can honestly be described as a great European and a trusted friend of the United States Taking Prof. Lendvai as an example, Austria as a nation equally aspires to fulfil her role as a bridge-builder and a platform for dialogue within the international community.

As a big fan of Prof. Lendvai’s work I encourage and invite you to take a closer look at “Inside Austria – New Challenges, old Demons” presented here today. It will for sure contribute to a broader understanding of Austria and her past and present.

Thank you for your attention