Transcripción del resumen del autor. Dr Helmut Zilk, the Mayor of Vienna from 1984 to 1994, was a charismatic and popular television presenter and politician who, in the decade when he governed the Austrian capital, introduced architectural change and promoted his beloved city to the international community. He was especially credited with building bridges with the countries of Eastern Europe. A tolerant, understanding and selfless man, Zilk, who died in October last year at the age of 81, worked tirelessly to better the lives of those who inhabited the country he adored. Even an attempt on his life did not deter him from his task. In this article, Siham Alawami, who knew Zilk personally, recalls the man, the mayor and his mission in life.

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