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 is resigning from the office of mayor in Neunkirchen, which he won for the ÖVP in April 2010. Klaudia Osztovics, deputy director of Eisenstadt prison, was unanimously chosen by the ÖVP board as the preferred candidate. 

Visibly marked by his recent gall bladder operation and Parkinson's disease, Herbert Osterbauer (ÖVP) announced his resignation as mayor of Neunkirchen on Friday 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)

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

From Tuesday, Deputy Mayor Johann Gansterer will take over the agenda until the municipal council meeting at which the mayoral election takes place, which is expected to be held on November 4, as stipulated in the municipal regulations. 

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