EN
Christian Socialists played an important role in the interwar Austrian party system. Their ambivalent approach to parliamentary democracy corresponds to an estranged political culture. The party demanded the implementation of corporate elements within the political system. Repeated failures to create a government coalition with a stable majority in the National Council, fears of a loss of power to the rapidly rising Nazis and the consequences of the Great Economic Crisis strengthened thoughts within the Christian Socialists of extra-parliamentary government. In spring 1933, authoritative party representatives took advantage of exceptional events in the National Council to accede to the gradual elimination of parliamentary democracy. The passive position of the opposition and the de facto lack of interest of the Austrian public helped in the implementation of these authoritative changes.