Federation of Independents

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The Federation of Independents (Verband der Unabhängigen, VdU) was a national-liberal political party in Austria active from 1949 to 1955.

It was founded on 25 March 1949 by Herbert Klaus and Viktor Reimann. The constituent assembly was held in Salzburg on the next day. Herbert Kraus was elected Chairman (Bundesobmann), while Viktor Reimann, Josef Karoly, Karl Hartleb and Karl Winkler were appointed Vice-Chairmen (Bundesobmann-Stellvertreter).

VdU saw itself as representing the interests of former Nazi Party members, expellees from Central and Eastern Europe, returning war prisoners and other discontent portions of the Austrian population. Although close to the Austrian People's Party, the party also advocated liberal individualism, and did not concern itself much with the "Catholic question." VdU supported the abolition of laws limiting the political activities of former Nazis.

In the 1949 election it obtained 12% of vote and 16 seats in the National Council. Losses in subsequent elections and internal strife led to the collapse of the party, which was absorbed by the newly founded Freedom Party of Austria in 1956.