Sebastian Kurz is an Austrian politician who became one of the youngest world leaders. He served as the Chancellor of Austria for two terms, first from 2017 to 2019, and then from 2020 to 2021. Kurz is a member of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and was known for his conservative policies. His leadership attracted significant attention because of his young age and his approach to managing key issues like immigration and the economy. Although he stepped down from politics in 2021, he remains an influential figure in Austria.
| Full Name | Sebastian Kurz |
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Vienna, Austria |
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Political Party | Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) |
| Occupation | Former Chancellor, Business Consultant |
| Years Active | 2009 – 2021 (Politics) |
| Spouse/Partner | Susanne Thier |
| Children | 1 (Son) |
| Net Worth | €2 Million (2023) |
Sebastian Kurz Net Worth
As of the latest estimates, Sebastian Kurz’s net worth is believed to be between $1.5 million and $2 million. Kurz accumulated his wealth mainly through his political career, as well as through business ventures and consulting after leaving office. Though he was not known to have significant business interests during his time as Chancellor, his current income sources have expanded to include roles in international business and consulting firms.
| Year | Net Worth (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 2017 | €800,000 |
| 2018 | €1,000,000 |
| 2019 | €1,200,000 |
| 2020 | €1,500,000 |
| 2021 | €1,800,000 |
| 2022 | €1,950,000 |
| 2023 | €2,000,000 |
Sources of Income
Sebastian Kurz’s wealth comes from a combination of different sources:
- Political Salary: As the Chancellor of Austria, Kurz earned a substantial salary. The average salary for the Chancellor is estimated to be around €300,000 per year, contributing significantly to his overall wealth.
- Consulting and Business Ventures: After leaving politics, Kurz entered the world of international business and consulting. He now works for companies, helping them strategize and expand in Europe. This part of his income is not publicly disclosed, but consultants in high-demand fields can earn anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million annually, depending on the nature of the work.
- Public Speaking: Kurz is also known for his public speaking engagements. Former politicians, especially those with global influence, are often invited to give speeches at international events. Public speakers can earn significant fees, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per speech, depending on the event.
Early Life
Sebastian Kurz was born on August 27, 1986, in Vienna, Austria. He grew up in a middle-class family. His father was an engineer, and his mother was a teacher. Kurz had a normal upbringing in the city and was interested in politics from a young age. He completed his schooling in Vienna and later enrolled in the University of Vienna to study law. However, he dropped out in 2011 to focus on his growing political career. His early involvement in the Austrian People’s Party’s youth wing, known as the Young People’s Party (JVP), gave him a strong foundation in politics.
Professional Life
Entry into Politics
Sebastian Kurz began his political career in 2009 when he became the chairman of the Young People’s Party. This role gave him significant visibility within Austria’s political circles, and his ability to connect with the younger generation was a key factor in his rise. His popularity in the party quickly grew, and by 2011, he became the State Secretary for Integration. This was a newly created role, and Kurz was tasked with handling the integration of immigrants into Austrian society, which was a hot topic at the time.
Foreign Minister
In 2013, at the age of 27, Kurz became Austria’s Foreign Minister, making him the youngest person in Europe to hold such a position. As Foreign Minister, he focused on immigration and foreign policy, especially during the 2015 refugee crisis. His strict stance on immigration, particularly his opposition to open borders, gained him both support and criticism. Kurz played a key role in closing the Balkan route, which many refugees used to enter Europe. His policies significantly influenced the way Austria and other European countries handled the refugee crisis.
Chancellor of Austria
In 2017, Sebastian Kurz was elected as the leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP). Soon after, he led the party to victory in the 2017 general election, becoming Austria’s Chancellor at the age of 31. This made him the youngest head of government in the world at the time. His first term was marked by his anti-immigration stance and economic reforms. He formed a coalition government with the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), which is known for its far-right views. This coalition, however, collapsed in 2019 after a scandal involving FPÖ leaders, forcing Kurz to step down temporarily.
He was re-elected in 2020 and served as Chancellor again until October 2021 when he resigned amid corruption allegations. Though Kurz denied the accusations, he decided to step down to avoid damaging the country’s political stability.
Post-Political Career
After resigning from his position as Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz announced his retirement from politics in December 2021. Following this, he transitioned to the private sector, taking up roles in business and consulting. One notable position is with a Silicon Valley investment firm, where he is involved in strategic consulting. Kurz’s shift from politics to business allowed him to expand his income sources.
Personal Life
Sebastian Kurz is known to keep his personal life private. He has been in a long-term relationship with Susanne Thier, who works as a teacher. The couple met when they were teenagers and have been together ever since. They have a son, born in 2021. Kurz and Thier live a relatively low-profile life, avoiding too much public attention on their relationship.
Achievements
Sebastian Kurz’s political career is marked by numerous achievements, particularly his ability to rise to the top at such a young age.
- Youngest Chancellor: One of his most notable achievements is becoming the youngest Chancellor in Austrian history and one of the youngest leaders in the world.
- Immigration Policies: Kurz’s strict stance on immigration made him a prominent figure in European politics. His efforts to close the Balkan route during the refugee crisis of 2015-2016 are considered by many to have played a crucial role in reducing illegal immigration into Europe.
- Economic Reforms: As Chancellor, Kurz focused on cutting taxes, reducing bureaucracy, and making Austria a more business-friendly country. His government implemented policies that aimed at reducing the tax burden on businesses and individuals, which helped the Austrian economy to grow.
- European Leadership: Kurz also emerged as a key figure in European Union politics. He was seen as a bridge between the Western European and Eastern European countries, particularly when it came to issues like migration and economic policy.
- Resilience in Scandal: Despite facing corruption allegations, Kurz managed to rebuild his image by retiring from politics and smoothly transitioning to a business career. His ability to step down gracefully and avoid long-term damage to his reputation is seen as an achievement in its own right.
Controversies
Sebastian Kurz’s political career has not been without controversy. He faced criticism for his alliance with the far-right FPÖ and for his strict immigration policies. Critics accused him of fueling xenophobia in Austria by promoting anti-immigration rhetoric. His government was also rocked by a major scandal in 2019 when a video surfaced involving FPÖ leaders allegedly engaging in corrupt practices. Though Kurz himself was not implicated, the scandal led to the collapse of his coalition government.
In 2021, Kurz was involved in another controversy when he faced corruption allegations. He was accused of using public funds to manipulate media coverage in his favor during his time as Foreign Minister. Kurz denied these claims but resigned from his role as Chancellor to allow an investigation to take place.
Legacy
Sebastian Kurz’s legacy as a young and dynamic leader will be remembered in Austrian and European politics. His rise to power at such a young age, along with his strong stance on immigration and economic reforms, has left a lasting impact on the country’s policies. His ability to maintain a prominent role in Austrian politics, even in the face of controversy, demonstrates his resilience and influence.
Though his political career may be over for now, Kurz’s future in business and consulting keeps him in the public eye. His transition from politics to private ventures is a testament to his versatility and ability to adapt to new challenges.
Conclusion
Sebastian Kurz is a notable figure in both Austrian and European politics, known for his strong leadership and bold policies. Despite facing controversies and scandals, his ability to transition from politics to business has ensured his financial stability, with a net worth estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million. His political career is marked by significant achievements, including becoming the youngest Chancellor of Austria and playing a key role in shaping European immigration policies.
