Frisnyák Zsuzsa: Baross Gábor 1848-1892 (1992)

Gábor Baross, the iron-minister 1848-1892

Gábor Baross, the iron-minister 1848-1892 Gábor Baross (1848-1892) was one of the most outstanding Hungarian economists and policy makers of his time. He was born in Trencin county, studied law in Budapest, founded and edited newspapers in Hungarian, German and Slovak. In 1875 he was elected to the parliament as a deputy of the Liberal Party. He joined the government as State Secretary for Transport in 1883, became Minister of Public Works and Transport in 1886 and later Minister of Commerce until his sudden death. His entire life was devoted to the development of the Hungarian economy. The best known part of his work represents his transport policy. He nationalized the private transport companies, modernized the railway network, had bridges built and regulated the Danube at Vaskapu and Csallóköz, had the port of Fiume constructed. The elaboration and introduction of the "zonal tariff made him famous in Europe. It is less known that he deliberately supported the different organizations of craftsmen, businessmen. Under his officedom as a minister the Hungarian chamber system was restructured, grew in importance, worked according to European standards. He also founded the Postal Savings Bank, made the use of Hungarian compulsory in official correspondence. The widening of the vocational education and setting up of trade limited companies are also connected with his name. His work represents the most valuable part of the liberal time in Hungary. Presently when Hungary is once more on the road of the integration with the European market economies his work represents an ideal to follow. Gyorsvonat Trencsénnél Express train at Trencin 11