Leopold Freiherr von Imhof

Leopold Freiherr von Imhof (7 July 1869 – 30 April 1922) was an Austrian civil servant who served as the Governor of Liechtenstein from 1914 to 1918.

Early life and career
Imhof was born on 7 July 1869 in Salzburg. He studied law in Vienna and Munich.

He worked in administrative services at the state government in Salzburg, Upper Austria and Tyrol. Along with Ministerial Secretary in the Ministry of the Interior in Vienna, where gained contact with Prince Eduard of Liechtenstein which gave him connections within Liechtenstein.

Appointment and World War I
Imhof was the Governor of Liechtenstein, serving from 1 April 1914 to 13 November 1918. He was appointed by Johann II to the position only after he was unable to fulfil the mandate from the Landtag of Liechtenstein for the appointment of a Governor from Vorarlberg or Tyrol following the death of Carl von In der Maur on 11 December 1913. Nevertheless, he was welcomed in Liechtenstein.

Shortly after his appointment World War I began, which Imhof initially responded to with enthusiasm and was strongly supportive of the Central Powers. Though as the war dragged on, the country faced increasing food shortages and inflation. From 1916 Liechtenstein was embargoed by the Entente countries, which caused mass unemployment in the country. Imhof soon faced criticism that the measures he took to address the economic crisis were inadequate, and that of incompetence. As a result, he often entered fierce debates with Wilhelm Beck, who had formed an emerging opposition group against him. He also faced several accusations of smuggling and hoarding for himself during the war.

Removal from office
By November 1918, opposition members Wilhelm Beck, Martin Ritter and Fritz Walser, deeply dissatisfied by Imhof's handling of the economy and who wanted a Liechtensteiner head of state, proposed a motion of no confidence against him. Imhof asked for a vote of confidence and at the same time agreed to submit his resignation. While the Landtag of Liechtenstein unanimously expressed its confidence in him it was decided, against the constitution, to transfer the power of Governor to a Provisional Executive Committee led by Martin Ritter and Johann II accepted Imhof's resignation on 13 November.

The government rejected the state's contribution to Imhof's pension as he was only entitled to one after ten years of service in Liechtenstein. It was granted to him by Johann II from December 1919 using private funds at his personal request.

Later life and death
Imhof retired to his home-town of Salzburg, where he died on 30 April 1922, aged 52 years old.

Personal life
Imhof married Ida Hoffmann on 7 September 1901 and they had three children together.

Honours

 * Austria-Hungary: Imperial Order of Franz Joseph
 * 🇧🇪 Belgium: Grand Cordon of Order of Leopold
 * 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein: Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of HSH Prince Johan II.