Born June 3rd, 1953, in Graz, Styria. Married, five children. 1971: Secondary school leaving certificate obtained from Akademisches Gymnasium. Summer term spent at Miami University(Ohio, USA). 1971C78: Study of chemical sciences at Karl Franzens University in Graz. 1978: Ph.D. 1978: Lannacher Heilmittel GmbHC family-owned pharmaceutical company. 1980: Sole managing director of Lannacher Heilmittel GmbH. 1986: Chief Executive of Genericon Pharma GesmbH. 1990: Member of the Board of Directors of Pharmavit AG, Budapest. 1988: Chairman of the Association of Young Austrian Industrialists. 1991: Austrian People's Party Spokesman on Industry. Deputy Regional Chairman of Styrian People's Party. Member of the National Assembly for Austrian People's Party. 1994: State Secretary at Federal Ministry for Public Economy and Transport. 1995: Federal Minister for the Environment. 1996: Federal Minister for Environment, Youth and Family Affairs. Feb. 2000: Federal Minister of Economics and Labour. 1988 - 1992: Chairman of the Cancer Relief Fund for the Children of Styria. Since 1993: Chairman of the Austrian Cancer Relief Fund for Children.[Text of Speech]