COURT COUNSELLORS, WHISPERERS, SPIN DOCTORS
COURT COUNSELLORS, WHISPERERS, SPIN DOCTORS
300 years of grey eminences on Ballhausplatz
A republican history lesson
Manfred Matzka, Former Head of Section in the Federal Chancellery
in dialogue with
Wolfgang Maderthaner, Historian, Association for the History of the Labour Movement
Whether emperor or chancellor: they all listened to their whisperers, who influenced the fate of the state with their advice. Some court counsellors decided on war or peace. Some shadow princes surpassed their rulers in power. Others dealt the deathblow to democracy. And then there were those who amassed offices - and died impoverished.
Manfred Matzka, an expert on the political workings of the Hofburg and the Chancellery, brings the grey eminences before the curtain. From Maria Theresa's advisors to Chancellor Bierlein's cabinet of experts, Matzka illuminates their strategies in portraits that are as in-depth as they are entertaining and analyses the influence of modern advisors: anonymous spin doctors and consultants.
A knowledgeable history of the background to state power, told with the 40 years of experience of a top civil servant who has learnt to precisely understand and use the mechanisms of power.
Manfred Matzka
Head of the Federal Chancellery for many years and most recently advisor to the Federal Chancellor, is a cultural manager and art lover. He has written numerous legal publications and published monographs on data protection and the National Council elections.
Manfred Matzka: Court counsellors, whisperers, spin doctors. 300 years of grey eminences on Ballhausplatz
A look behind the mysterious wallpaper doors on Ballhausplatz
Brandstätter, Vienna September 2020; ISBN978-3-7106-0466-9; 28,- €