Ministry of Counts

Austrian history

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June 24, 2026

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The "Ministry of Counts" refers to the period of Austrian history from July 27, 1865, to February 3, 1867, led by Richard, Count Belcredi. This ministry advocated for a federal constitution within the Habsburg monarchy, drawing inspiration from the Swiss model. The primary goal was to recognize the historical rights of Slavic populations, rather than allowing them to be overshadowed by German and Magyar interests. Belcredi's government revoked the "February Patent" of 1861, which had aimed to centralize Austria as a German-speaking state, and allowed Czech to be used as a language of instruction in Bohemian schools. These actions, however, alienated the German population. The ministry's efforts at conciliation were ultimately overshadowed by Austria's defeat in the Seven Weeks' War in 1866, leading to Belcredi's resignation.1

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Richard, Count Belcredi
His “Ministry of Counts” (July 27, 1865–Feb. 3, 1867) advocated conservative federalism under which the Slavs’ historic rights would be recognized instead of subsumed by those of the Germans and Magyars.
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His “Ministry of Counts” (July 27, 1865–Feb. 3, 1867) advocated conservative federalism under which the Slavs’ historic rights would be recognized instead of subsumed by those of the Germans and Magyars.
Read More