Josef Hoop

Dr Franz Josef Hoop (14 December 1895 – 19 October 1959) was a political figure from Liechtenstein who served as Prime Minister of Liechtenstein from 1928 to 1945. Hoop is best known for his efforts to retain Liechtenstein's neutrality and independence during World War II. Serving for seventeen years, he is the longest serving Prime Minister in the country's history, ahead of his successor Alexander Frick by 79 days. He served under the reign of Prince of Liechtenstein Johann II, Franz I and Franz Joseph II, making him the only Prime Minister to serve under three Princes consecutively. Early life and diplomatic career Hoop was born in Eschen, Liechtenstein on 14 December 1895 to his father Franz Josef Hoop who was a farmer and a deputy Member of Parliament and his mother Berta Batliner as one of nine children.