Dr. Alexander Frick (18 February 1910 – 31 October 1991) was a political figure from Liechtenstein who served as Prime Minister of Liechtenstein from 1945 to 1962.

Frick is known for expanding Liechtenstein's foreign affairs and modernizing the country into a modern welfare state, while also serving over a period of economic boom in the country. Serving as Prime Minister for nearly seventeen years, he is the second longest individual to hold the position in Liechtenstein's history, bested by his predecessor Josef Hoop by 79 days.

Early life

Frick was born on 18 February 1910 in Schaan, Liechtenstein. He was one of 10 children.

From 1929 until 1936 he was a civil servant for the Liechtenstein fiscal administration, becoming director in 1936 and serving until 1945. In 1931 he founded the Scouts of Liechtenstein. From 1935 until 1937 he served as chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Liechtenstein.

Prime Minister of Liechtenstein

He was the Regierungschef (head of government) of Liechtenstein from 3 September 1945 until 16 July 1962, serving as a member of the Progressive Citizens' Party. He succeeded Josef Hoop after his resignation in September 1945. The government coalition established in the wake of World War II continued throughout his premiership.

Upon taking office in 1945, Frick was faced with the challenge of dealing with the members of the First Russian National Army that had taken refuge in the country a few months prior. They were cared for by the Liechtenstein Red Cross. On 16 August 1945, the Soviet Union sent a delegation to Liechtenstein in an attempt to repatriate the Russians, which was refused despite increasing Soviet pressure to participate in the repatriation program. Eventually the government of Argentina offered the Russians asylum, and about a hundred people left. Liechtenstein was the only country that did not participate in the Soviet repatriation program.

According to Frick, with the support of Franz Joseph II, the Russians were at no point in danger of being extradited and the general population of Liechtenstein supported the government in providing asylum to them.

Frick advocated for the reconciliation of relations between Liechtenstein's political parties and pro-German elements during World War II, including the social re-integration of former members of the VDBL. However, members of the VDBL were still charged for an attempted coup in 1939. Other figures were charged for illegal intelligence providence, notably former Prime Minister Gustav Schädler who was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, but did not serve the sentence due to health reasons.

During Frick's premiership he pioneered the transformation of Liechtenstein into a modern welfare state. In 1952 his government succeeded introducing pensions and survivors insurance via a referendum on the subject despite resistance from local businesses and agricultural establishments, followed by the introduction of family compensation in 1957 and disability insurance in 1959.

Frick also played a major role in expanding Liechtenstein's foreign policy and affairs. Notably pioneering the countries ascension to the International Court of Justice in 1950 and the Geneva Conventions the same year. He also attempted to join the European Free Trade Association but was unsuccessful, instead being represented by Switzerland.

Frick resigned in July 1962 reportedly for health reasons, after serving the premiership for nearly seventeen years. He was succeeded by Gerard Batliner.

Subsequent roles and honours

In 1957, Frick was awarded the Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver with Sash for Services to the Republic of Austria.

In 1961 he was awarded a doctorate honoris causa from the University of Fribourg.

Following his service as head of the government, he became deputy of the Diet from 1966 until 1974. He served as its President of the Landtag from January 1966 until December 1969.

Family

Frick married Hildegard Kranz (32 December 1917 - 29 April 1993) on 5 October 1939 and they had nine children. His son Hansjörg Frick served as a government councillor in the departments of social affairs, health and economy from 2001 to 2005.

See also

 Politics of Liechtenstein

References

External links

Time archive article

1910 births
1991 deaths
Heads of government of Liechtenstein
Speakers of the Landtag of Liechtenstein
Members of the Landtag of Liechtenstein
Progressive Citizens' Party politicians
Recipients of the Grand Decoration with Sash for Services to the Republic of Austria
Scouting in Liechtenstein
Scouting pioneers