Brigitte Bierlein, the former head of Austria’s Constitutional Court who became the country’s first female chancellor in an interim government in 2019, has died. She was 74.
Her death on Monday was announced by Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who wrote that “for future generations, she will remain a shining example of self-determination, equal rights and breaking through glass ceilings.” He said that Austria lost one of its most distinguished legal experts.
Austria's Constitutional Court said she passed away after a short, serious illness.
Bierlein sat on the court first as vice-president and then as president from February 2018 until her appointment as chancellor on June 3, 2019.
She was named interim leader after then-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz lost a confidence vote following the collapse of the governing coalition between his right-wing People’s Party and the far-right Freedom Party.
It followed the publication of a video showing Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache appearing to offer lucrative government contracts to a purported Russian investor.
When Bierlein was sworn in as chancellor, she appealed to the country's youth, and particularly young women, to help make a “strong, livable and tolerant Austria.”
“Our land, our democracy needs all of you, your creative strength and your belief in Austria,” she said. “Your engagement is irreplaceable for the health of our republic and all of Europe.”
Bierlein led Austria for several months until a new government was elected in late 2019, effectively ending her public career, Austrian news agency APA said.
The Constitutional Court said in a statement that in addition to her professional duties, Bierlein was active for decades in the public prosecutor’s office and on an independent victim protection commission against abuse and violence.
Nehammer praised Bierlein's commitment and love for Austria.
“She took on responsibility at a difficult time out of love for the republic and her homeland Austria,” he wrote on X. “Our country owes her a great debt of gratitude.”
