Rudolf Anschober

Rudolf Anschober (born 21 November 1960) is an Austrian politician of the Green Party who served as Minister of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection in the second government of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz from January 2020 to April 2021.

Political career A former journalist and schoolteacher, Anschober served as a member of the National Council from 1990 until 1997. On 23 October 2003, he became part of the Upper Austrian state government. He was the only councillor in the Upper Austrian government to represent the Greens for 9 years, from the time he was elected until 2012. In September 2012, he took a brief break as councillor to be on sick leave for three months because of burnout.

Throughout his tenure in the federal government, Anschober worked on the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria. He consistently called for stricter lockdown measures in the face of high infection numbers, clashing with Chancellor Kurz and his party. At the time of his resignation, he was one of the country's most popular politicians.

Personal life His partner is Petra Ramsauer, a political scientist and author. He previously lived in Steyregg when he worked in the Upper Austrian government.

Other activities Fonds Gesundes Österreich, Chair of the Board of Trustees (since 2020) National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism, Member of the Board of Trustees (2020)