Following the health-related departure of Agriculture State Councilor Hans Seitinger, Governor Christopher Drexler extensively restructured the ÖVP government team. Today he presented not only Simone Schmiedtbauer as Seitinger’s successor, but also Karlheinz Kornhäusl as the successor to State Health Councilor Juliane Bogner-Strauß, who announced her resignation that morning.
Christopher Drexler described the staff reshuffle during the presentation on Monday afternoon as “an important decision for the Styrian state government and the Styrian People’s Party”. After Seitinger’s resignation in the health field a few days ago, the unhappy State Health Councilor Juliane Bogner-Strauß also announced her resignation this morning. There have been rumors for some time that Drexler wanted to replace her before the state elections. Last but not least, the “Krone” had brought numerous grievances in the Styrian healthcare system to the public.
“It was time to reorganize my team,” Drexler said during Monday’s presentation. “And I am convinced that these people will tackle the major challenges in their departments with renewed vigor.”
New man for the health problem area
A new man at the head of the health department should now tackle these problems – namely Karlheinz Kornhäusl. He is a specialist, has worked as an emergency physician for a long time and currently works as an internist at LKH Graz-West.
Drexler praises his new government partner: “He is not just a doctor, but a doctor with heart and soul and I hope he is the doctor the Styrians will trust.” Kornhäusl, a GAK fan himself, will also take up the sports agenda.
“I accept the department I am allowed to occupy with great respect,” says Kornhäusl at the presentation. “Even in difficult times you have to make decisions and approach people as equals,” is how he describes his approach. “We have a number of problems and construction sites that we must recognize, identify and solve step by step,” he says, looking to the future of his political challenges.
Schmiedtbauer follows Seitinger
The fact that Bogner-Strauß could be replaced by a man was made possible not least by the resignation of Hans Seitinger, who will now be replaced by European MP Simone Schmiedtbauer.
“She showed that a down-to-earth woman with roots in her home country can achieve something great on the European stage. Now we import them into the state government of Styria,” says Drexler, handing her roses. In addition to Hans Seitinger’s agenda, she should also take over the society department.
Schmiedtbauer spoke during her presentation about ‘big shoes to fill’ in which she will act as Seitinger’s successor. It was “a great honor” for her to take on this position.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
