Josef Klaus

Klaus, Josef (yō'zĕf klous) , 1910–2001, Austrian politician. He was drafted into the army and fought in World War II on the Axis side. Chosen leader (1963) of the business- and church-oriented People's party, Klaus tended to oppose compromises with the party's coalition partner, the Socialists. He became chancellor in 1964 and was succeeded in 1970 by the Socialist Bruno Kreisky.