Jörg Haider (1950-2008) was a prominent Austrian far-right politician, best known as the long-time leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) from 1986 and twice Governor (Landeshauptmann) of the state of Carinthia (1989-1991 and 1999-2008). Born on January 26, 1950, he began his political career in the FPÖ youth organization during his student years, becoming its chairman. By 1976, he was provincial party secretary for the FPÖ in Carinthia, and in 1979 he entered the National Council (Nationalrat). Under his leadership, Haider transformed the FPÖ into a major far-right force with nationalist, anti-immigrant, and Eurosceptic positions. He was also a lawyer and businessperson, holding various occupations, and was noted for praising SS veterans.