‘Professor Hayek Is Not a Member of the ÖVP!’ The Conflictual Beginnings of the West German and Austrian Christian Democrats’ Neoliberalisation

While the neoliberalisation of social democracy has been extensively studied, the embrace of neoliberal ideas and policies by Christian Democratic parties has received far less attention. This article examines the contested early stages of neoliberalisation among West German and Austrian Christian Democrats during the 1970s and 1980s. Focusing on two prominent advocates of neoliberalism within these parties – Franz Josef Strauß and Wolfgang Schüssel – it traces the influence of their ideas at a time when Christian Democrats were in opposition and seeking to renew their electoral appeal. Particular attention is paid to the role of the transnationalisation of Christian Democracy in facilitating the gradual diffusion and adoption of neoliberal positions. By doing so, the article sheds light on an understudied chapter in the history of Christian Democracy, one that is crucial for understanding both the transformation of Christian Democracy since the post-war era and the long-term development of centre-right parties in Europe.