Seitinger deceased

He lived for politics with tireless commitment

Waltraud Klasnic brought Hans Seitinger into the provincial government in 2003

(Bild: KRONEN ZEITUNG)

Deeply saddened across party lines: Johann Seitinger (ÖVP), the long-standing Styrian provincial councillor, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 63. He resigned in October 2023 due to serious illness. Read a commentary by "Steirerkrone" head of service Gerald Schwaiger and reactions from the world of politics here.

Journalists applauding a politician is generally forbidden by professional ethics. Reporters have to be critical, should keep their distance and pat the hands of the powerful instead of submissively offering them. Those who applaud cannot be independent. Everyone, including the press, applauded Hans Seitinger's forced departure from state politics due to illness. It was applause for an extraordinary person, an extraordinary politician. For the last of his class.

Seitinger lived politics and lived FOR politics, no matter what office he held. As mayor, as chairman of the farmers' association, as provincial councillor, he was honest, straightforward and fought for "his people". With farmer's shrewdness, Upper Styrian wit and incredible dedication. When his office work was finished, he went to events in the evening, working days from 7 a.m. to midnight were the rule and not the exception. In between, in the car, phone calls and text messages: "How are you, can I help where?"

Hans Seitinger the man is no more; in retirement, he would finally have been allowed some peace and quiet. Farewell, Hans Seitinger, thank you.

Reaktionen aus der Politik

„Land verliert einen seiner treuesten Diener“

Seitinger with government colleagues on the day of his resignation, October 17, 2023

(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Initial reactions came on Sunday from Seitinger's former government colleagues Governor Christopher Drexler (ÖVP) and Deputy Governor Anton Lang (SPÖ). "Hans Seitinger was a passionate fighter for our beloved home province and all Styrians. I am losing a friend and advisor - our country is losing one of its most loyal servants," said Drexler. "It is unimaginable for me that his valuable advice and tips, which he also gave me in his restlessness from the hospital by text message or phone call, are now missing."

"My deepest condolences go to his family, whom I wish much strength in these difficult hours," said Lang.

"We have lost a person who put his life at the service of the community"
ÖVP Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer saw Seitinger as a "role model for all": "Hans Seitinger was a thoroughbred politician in the best sense of the word and left a deep mark on the memories of many, including mine, with his character, his humor and his commitment. His work will resonate for a long time to come and have a positive influence on the development of Styria."

Hermann Schützenhöfer deeply shocked.

(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Former provincial governor Hermann Schützenhöfer is "deeply shocked" by the news: "His wife Anni and his family, to whom I extend my sincere condolences, lovingly cared for him day and night."

Reactions from the opposition
FPÖ Styria leader Mario Kunasek commented on the passing of the former provincial councillor as follows. D.: "We had offices right next to each other for years and this professional 'neighborhood' led to many encounters and conversations based on mutual sympathy."

Green Party leader Sandra Krautwaschl remembers the good level of personal communication with Seitinger: "Even though we disagreed on many political issues, I always appreciated his willingness to engage in dialog and his open ear for the concerns of others."

"The cooperation was always objective and constructive," says Graz Mayor Elke Kahr (KPÖ). "Politicians of this caliber are becoming increasingly rare. My sympathy goes out to all his companions and his family."

It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to a great agricultural politician. I got to know and appreciate him as a down-to-earth, competent and forward-looking person.

Landwirtschaftsminister Norbert Totschnig

"Hans Seitinger was a person and politician who could put a smile on anyone's face. As a provincial councillor, he was not only known for his constructive cooperation across party lines, but above all, he was also successful," said Neos Club Chairman Niko Swatek in tribute to the deceased.

Claudia Klimt-Weithaler, leader of the KPÖ parliamentary group, is just as deeply saddened: "Despite all differences of opinion, our discussions with him were always characterized by respect, friendliness and honest interest. Unfortunately, that has become rare in politics and I won't be the only one to miss it."