Brigitte Bierlein, Austria's pioneering woman chancellor, has passed away.
In a period of political unrest, Brigitte Bierlein led the Austrian government for approximately seven months. Now, at the age of 74, she's sadly passed away. The country mourns the commitment of its top legal official.
Austria's first female chancellor, Brigitte Bierlein, has regrettably passed away at the age of 74, following a brief yet severe illness. The Vienna chancellery confirmed the news. "She took charge in challenging circumstances, loving her republic and her homeland Austria. Our nation owes her a significant debt!" commented Chancellor Karl Nehammer. From June 2019 to January 2020, she oversaw a government comprised of civil servants, often called an expert administration.
"Brigitte Bierlein never pursued her professional positions, rather willingly fulfilling her country's needs with courage and optimism," Nehammer added. She held the role of chancellor without any airs and throughout with a fierce sense of responsibility.
Nehammer remarked, "I have known Brigitte Bierlein as a brave, focused woman who served when her nation required her. She'll be an inspiration for many girls and women, for us all, for years to come."
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen applauded Bierlein's tenure, stating, "I've known Brigitte Bierlein as a resilient, disciplined woman who accepted responsibility when her nation required her. She'll inspire generations.
Bierlein's term as chancellor spanned the transition between conservative Austrian politician Sebastian Kurz's two governments. Her initial government was dismissed through a no-confidence vote in the parliament due to the Ibiza scandal in June 2019. Following novel elections late in 2019, Kurz then resumed his second term from January 2020. "Brigitte Bierlein maintained equilibrium in Austria during a tumultuous period," Kurz wrote on X.
The esteemed career lawyer previously served as Vice President of the Constitutional Court (VfGH) from 2003 to 2018. Then, from February 2018 until her appointment as Federal Chancellor, she held the position of its President. VfGH President Christoph Grabenwarter acknowledged the loss, "The Constitutional Court now lacks a non-partisan former President and an exceptionally admired individual, and Austria has lost an unwavering champion of the rule of law."
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In her succession, Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen expressed appreciation for Bierlein's resilience and discipline. The role of chancellor was later assumed by Sebastian Kurz, who recognized Bierlein's crucial role in maintaining stability during a turbulent period, despite her government being dismissed due to the Ibiza scandal and a no-confidence vote. Moreover, in political circles, the leadership of Bierlein was often compared to that of her predecessor, with the ÖVP, led by Karl Nehammer, expressing respect and admiration for her commitment and service.
