Political reactions

Styria mourns the death of Hannes Androsch

Hannes Androsch in his villa in Altaussee.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

He was a Styrian by choice, one of the most important entrepreneurs in our country with AT&S and the salt works, an honorary ring bearer, honorary doctor of the University of Leoben and much more: there is great sadness in our province at the death of Hannes Androsch. The first reactions from state politicians.

Governor Christopher Drexler (ÖVP) is deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned industrialist: "Hannes Androsch was a great Austrian who, as a Styrian by choice, did an incredible amount for our country." From Salinen Austria AG to the leading company AT&S and the Loser Bergbahnen, he shaped entire regions of Styria and especially Ausseerland with his commitment. Drexler is "infinitely grateful to Androsch for all his achievements for Styria and for the many friendly encounters and conversations that I will particularly miss". 

FPÖ leader Mario Kunasek paid tribute to the deceased as "one of the last politicians of the old school": his world view and his efforts for the local education system as well as his unique economic intuition had left many positive traces in Styria; above all, he had created many jobs. Kunasek will miss Androsch's "astute and sometimes critical contributions to daily political events".

The Styrian SPÖ has also reacted with great dismay to the passing of the former Social Democratic Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor.

Always connected to Styria: Former provincial governor Franz Voves and Androsch.

(Bild: Radspieler Jürgen/KRONEN ZEITUNG)

 For the executive chairman of the SPÖ, Max Lercher, Androsch was "a formative political force and played a key role in shaping one of Austria's strongest economic eras during the Kreisky era". He was always a guarantor of the social balance between the interests of business and employees. Lercher reports that he was in good personal contact with the 86-year-old until the end: "I greatly appreciated his views and advice!"

The fact that the industrialist, who also lived in Altaussee, not only made an important mark nationwide, but also in the district of Liezen and especially in Ausseerland, is appreciated by regional National Council representative Mario Lindner: "We will always remain deeply connected to him. Especially as a Liezen resident, I was able to experience the commitment he showed for our region."

During the coronavirus pandemic, the provincial leadership at the time (Hermann Schützenhöfer, Anton Lang) presented Hannes Androsch with the Ring of Honor of the Province of Styria.

(Bild: Land Steiermark/Foto Fischer)

Androsch has received several awards for his services to our province, most recently in January 2022, when he was awarded the Ring of Honor, the highest award of the province of Styria. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Leoben.