Renner, Karl [key], 1870–1950, Austrian socialist politician. A deputy after 1907, Renner became, following the abdication (Nov., 1918) of Emperor Charles I, the head of the provisional Austrian government and, after elections were held, the first chancellor (1919–20) of the Austrian republic. As leader of the Austrian delegation at the Paris Peace Conference, Renner signed the Treaty of Saint-Germain. He later served (1931–33) as president of the parliament. As World War II was ending in Apr., 1945, Renner became premier and minister of foreign affairs in the provisional Austrian government, and in Dec., 1945, he was elected president of the liberated Austrian republic. After his death he was succeeded by Theodor Körner. Renner wrote works in sociology, economics, and political science.
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