Leopold Freiherr von Imhoff

Leopold Freiherr von Imhof (7 July 1869 – 30 April 1922) was an Austrian civil servant who served as the Governor of Liechtenstein from 1914 to 1918.

Early life and career

Imhof was born on 7 July 1869 in Salzburg. He studied law in Vienna and Munich.

He worked in administrative services in the state governments of Salzburg, Upper Austria and Tyrol. He was also Ministerial Secretary in the Ministry of the Interior in Vienna, where he gained contact with Prince Eduard of Liechtenstein, which gave him connections within Liechtenstein. He was appointed to the position by Prince Johann II only after he was unable to fulfil the mandate from the Landtag of Liechtenstein for the appointment of a Governor from Vorarlberg or Tyrol following the death of Carl von In der Maur on 11 December 1913. Nevertheless, he was welcomed in Liechtenstein. However, as the war dragged on, Liechtenstein faced increasing food shortages and inflation. From 1916 Liechtenstein was embargoed by the Entente countries, which caused mass unemployment in the country. Imhof soon faced criticism that the measures he had taken to address the economic crisis were inadequate, and he was accused of incompetence. He also faced several accusations of smuggling and hoarding for himself during the war.

The government rejected the state's contribution to Imhof's pension as he was entitled to one only after ten years of service in Liechtenstein. It was granted to him by Johann II from December 1919 using private funds at his personal request.

Later life and death

Imhof retired to his home town of Salzburg, where he died on 30 April 1922, aged 52.

Personal life

Imhof married Ida Hoffmann on 7 September 1901 and they had three children together.

Honours Imperial Order of Franz Joseph Grand Cordon of Order of Leopold Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of HSH Prince Johan II.