History of Alexander Van der Bellen

Alexander Van der Bellen is an Austrian politician best known for serving as the Federal President of Austria, a position he assumed on January 26, 2017. His career, however, spans decades in academia and politics, making him a significant figure in the Austrian political landscape.

### Early Life and Education

Born on January 18, 1944, in Vienna, Austria, Van der Bellen's early life was shaped by the turbulent times of World War II. His family has an interesting background, being of Dutch, Russian, and Estonian descent. His father was a Russian aristocrat, and his mother was Estonian. The Van der Bellen family fled to Austria from Estonia to escape the advancing Soviet forces during World War II.

Van der Bellen grew up in the Tyrol region and showed an early aptitude for academics, eventually pursuing higher education at the University of Innsbruck. He studied economics and received his doctorate in 1970. His academic focus was spurred by his interest in political and economic systems, something that would later deeply influence his career.

### Academic Career

Before venturing fully into politics, Van der Bellen had a distinguished academic career. From 1976 to 1980, he served as an associate professor and later as a full professor of economics at the University of Vienna. His expertise and research in economics, particularly in areas like public finance and economic policy, established him as a noted academic. This background would inform his pragmatic approach to politics and policy-making.

### Entry into Politics

Van der Bellen’s formal political career began relatively late. In 1992, he was elected to the National Council as a member of the Green Party. This marked the beginning of a long association with the Greens, a party he would lead from 1997 to 2008. Under his leadership, the party saw significant growth, both in terms of parliamentary representation and public influence.

He was known for his articulate defense of environmental policies, human rights, and social welfare reforms. His tenure was marked by efforts to broaden the appeal of the Green Party beyond its traditional base, aiming to make it a more integral part of Austria’s political mainstream.

### Ascension to Presidency

Van der Bellen's most prominent political milestone came when he decided to run for the presidency as an independent candidate in 2016, albeit with backing from the Green Party. The 2016 presidential election in Austria was notably contentious and closely watched, both domestically and internationally.

During the campaign, Van der Bellen positioned himself as a pro-European Union candidate, emphasizing inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and political continuity. This was in contrast to his main opponent, Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), who represented a populist far-right stance.

The election was exceptionally close and was initially won by Van der Bellen in a runoff. However, due to irregularities in the counting of postal ballots, the results were annulled, leading to a repeat election which Van der Bellen won decisively.

### Presidency

As president, Alexander Van der Bellen brought a moderate, stabilizing presence to Austrian politics, which was marked by increasing polarization and the rise of far-right populism in Europe. His presidency has been characterized by a commitment to European integration, representing Austria's interests on the global stage, and advocating for climate change policies.

Van der Bellen has used his position to emphasize unity and dialogue, often standing as a bulwark against extremist elements in Austrian politics. His tenure has seen him working with a variety of coalition governments, including those where the Greens and ÖVP (Austrian People's Party) worked together, as well as those involving the FPÖ.

### Personal Life and Public Image

Van der Bellen is often perceived as an intellectual and a calm, centrist figure. Known for his love of art and nature, he reflects a lifestyle that resonates with environmental consciousness. His communication style is direct yet assuring, often emphasizing rational debate over heated rhetoric.

### Legacy and Impact

Alexander Van der Bellen's impact on Austrian politics is substantial, particularly for a politician representing a party outside the traditional centrist powerhouses. His election as president marked a significant achievement for the Green movement in Europe, illustrating that environmental and progressive politics could lead to high office.

His presidency has been recorded as a period of upholdment of democratic values in Austria amidst growing populism and nationalism worldwide. Furthermore, he has often been seen internationally as a voice of reason, advocating for cooperative approaches to manage global challenges like climate change and migration.

In sum, Alexander Van der Bellen's career reflects a life committed to the blending of academic rigor and political prudence. His rise from a seasoned economist and academic to the presidency is emblematic of his ability to navigate and influence Austria's multifaceted political landscape. As of my last update, Van der Bellen continues to serve as a trusted figure in Austrian and European politics, known for his steady leadership and advocacy for inclusive governance.