Retiring at 66

“Unfortunately, I no longer have enough strength”

After 14 years as mayor, Herbert Osterbauer is stepping down for health reasons, which is very difficult for him because: "The main square was my living room".

(Bild: Doris Seebacher)

Due to illness, Herbert Osterbauer resigns from the office of mayor in Neunkirchen, which he won for the ÖVP in April 2010. Klaudia Osztovics, deputy head of the Eisenstadt prison, was unanimously chosen as his potential successor. 

Visibly marked by his recent gall bladder operation and Parkinson's disease, Herbert Osterbauer (ÖVP) announced his resignation as mayor of Neunkirchen yesterday at the age of 66. Which was extremely difficult for him. However: "The last few days have made me realize that my strength is no longer sufficient for this office," he admits honestly. Tiredness, problems with writing and with his voice are the biggest handicap for him. Osterbauer has been in office for 14 years, ending the SPÖ's dominance in 2010. "Apart from the last session, I didn't miss a single one," says the thoroughbred politician. However, he never had an absolute majority.

His advice to his successors: "Approach the people and listen to them."

(Bild: Doris_SEEBACHER)

Klaudia Osztovics was unanimously elected as a potential successor by the party executive.

(Bild: Stadtgemeinde Neunkirchen)

Klaudia Osztovics was unanimously chosen as a potential successor the evening before. "For which I am very grateful," said the deputy head of Eisenstadt prison. She has been active in Neunkirchen municipal politics since 2020.

Osterbauer's plans for the future: taking a cure and spending time with her dog, wife and bike. A small positive side effect: "I'm now under 100 kilograms again after a long time," jokes Osterbauer, who has not lost his sense of humor despite the sad occasion.