Austria’s first female chancellor, Brigitte Bierlein, died on Monday. Top politicians from all parties have been deeply affected. Her predecessor and successor Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) also spoke. The Austrian flag on the roof of the chancellery is now flying at half-mast.
Bierlein provided stability in Austria in a turbulent time with a steady hand and for this he shaped the work of the VfGH for years, Kurz writes about
Bierlein’s then Vice Chancellor and Minister of Justice Clemens Jabloner described her death in “ZiB 2” as a “very great loss”. The news ‘shocked’ him.
“Professional authority shines”
According to Jabloner, Bierlein had ‘extraordinary professional talent’ but also the ‘necessary social skills’: ‘She was able to combine professional and social skills ideally.’ As head of government, she also exuded professional authority from an extremely friendly person.
“Guardian of our Constitution”
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen was deeply affected by Bierlein’s death. ‘She has served the Republic faithfully in many capacities. As guardian of our constitution and also as the first female chancellor,” he emphasized: “I got to know Brigitte Bierlein as a courageous, disciplined woman who took responsibility when her country needed her. She will continue to serve as a role model for many girls and women in the future, for all of us.”
“Excellent personality”
Chancellor Nehammer also expressed his shock. With Bierlein, Austria loses an outstanding personality and pioneer who had a decisive influence on the republic for generations: “In a difficult time, she did not hesitate to take on the responsibility of serving the republic and the people of our country.” The Austrian flag raised The roof of the Federal Chancellery was at half-mast.
Vice Chancellor and leader of the Green Party Werner Kogler described the deceased as a pioneer in many respects: “With competence and objectivity, she led her office responsibly in a politically turbulent phase.” the State Governors Conference called Bierlein a “great and impressive personality.” Other state governors also expressed their condolences.
“Highly respected personality”
SPÖ leader Andreas Babler emphasized that with Bierlein, Austria lost a dedicated lawyer and a highly respected personality, who did not hesitate to take responsibility in one of the most serious crises of the Second Republic after the abrupt end of the black-blue federal government.
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl praised her as a “great personality, lawyer and politician”.
“Role model for many”
NEOS boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger spoke of a “sad day for Austria” and called Bierlein, the first female chancellor, “a role model for many”.
Short serious illness
The Constitutional Court, of which Bierlein was a member for about sixteen years, announced that Austria’s first female chancellor had succumbed to a short, serious illness shortly before her 75th birthday.
Professional lawyer
After her role as Attorney General at the Attorney General’s Office, the professional lawyer was Vice President of the Constitutional Court from 2003 to 2018 and President of the Constitutional Court from February 2018 until her appointment as Chancellor exactly five years ago today (June 3, 2019). ). On behalf of Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, she led Austria to new elections without much fanfare after the unrest surrounding the Ibiza scandal. After that, she effectively ended her public career.
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.
