Brigitte Bierlein is Dead: Austria Mourns the Loss of its First Female Chancellor
Brigitte Bierlein, Austria's first female chancellor, has died at the age of 74. The Constitutional Court (VfGH) announced the news of her death, of which Bierlein had been a member for around 16 years. She succumbed to a short, serious illness. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer paid tribute to Bierlein as an outstanding personality who had served the country faithfully in many functions.

Brigitte Bierlein is considered a “pioneer” in Austrian history. She was not only the first female head of government but also the first woman to head the Constitutional Court. Her career was characterized by extraordinary ambition and dedication to justice. After quickly completing her law studies and being appointed public prosecutor at the age of 28, she rose steadily through the ranks: She became Advocate General at the age of 41, Vice President at the Constitutional Court in 2003, and its President on January 1, 2018.
From the Constitutional Court to the Chancellery
As a result of the “Ibiza scandal”, she took over the leadership of a cabinet of experts in 2019 and led Austria through a politically turbulent phase until the new elections. Her level-headed and competent leadership was highly appreciated by the population. With the end of her chancellorship, Bierlein retired from public life.
Commitment and recognition
In addition to her professional duties, Bierlein was active in various social and cultural organizations for decades. She was involved in the Independent Victim Protection Commission against Abuse and Violence. She was Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the Bundestheater-Holding and the Board of Trustees of the Forum Constitution Foundation. Her passion for theater and painting was widely known.
Reactions and tributes
After her death became known, there were numerous reactions from politics and society. Federal President Van der Bellen praised her role as “guardian of our constitution and first female Federal Chancellor” and emphasized her inspiring effect on future generations. Federal Chancellor Nehammer emphasized that Austria owed her a great debt of gratitude, especially for her leadership in difficult times.
Wir trauern um Österreichs erste Bundeskanzlerin. Brigitte Bierlein ist heute verstorben. Sie hat in einer schwierigen Zeit Verantwortung übernommen, aus Liebe zur Republik und ihrer Heimat Österreich. Unser Land ist ihr zu großem Dank verpflichtet! pic.twitter.com/xNcna2ozXN
— Karl Nehammer (@karlnehammer) June 3, 2024
Other political figures such as Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler, Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig, and former chancellors such as Sebastian Kurz and Andreas Babler also paid tribute to Bierlein's contribution to the Republic. They described her as a committed lawyer, an outstanding personality, and a role model for many women.
„Ich hoffe, dass ihr bewusst war, wie sehr sie andere inspiriert hat“ – Bundespräsident Alexander Van der Bellen zum Tod von Bundeskanzlerin a.D. Brigitte Bierlein pic.twitter.com/K9KjMIuZ1L
— A. Van der Bellen (@vanderbellen) June 3, 2024
Reactions from the diplomatic community
There were also numerous expressions of sympathy from the diplomatic community in Vienna. The U.S. embassy, the embassies of Israel and the German ambassador Vito Cecere and Turkish ambassador Ozan Ceyhun, expressed their sadness at the loss of Brigitte Bierlein and paid tribute to her services and commitment to Austria.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Brigitte Bierlein, Austria's first female Chancellor. She led with integrity and dedication, guiding Austria through a pivotal time with her steady and principled leadership. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and to the people of Austria.
— U.S. Embassy Vienna (@usembvienna) June 3, 2024
Wir bedauern das Ableben der Altkanzlerin und ehemaligen Präsidentin des #VfGH Brigitte Bierlein. Sie galt als Freundin Israels und des jüdischen Lebens in Österreich.
— Israel in Österreich (@IsraelinAustria) June 3, 2024
Letzters Jahr war es uns eine besondere Ehre, Dr. Bierlein bei der Feier zum 75. Unabhängigkeitstag Israels… pic.twitter.com/HIEYfO9vi2
Mit tiefer Trauer habe ich vom Tod von Brigitte Bierlein erfahren.
— OzanCeyhun (@OzanCeyhun) June 3, 2024
Im Namen der türkischen Botschaft möchte ich mein tief empfundenes Beileid aussprechen.
Sie war nicht nur eine herausragende Persönlichkeit und eine engagierte Juristin, sondern auch eine gute Freundin, die… pic.twitter.com/hXm1G4hWGc
Der Tod von Brigitte Bierlein macht mich betroffen. Österreich trauert um seine erste Bundeskanzlerin. Eine imponierende Frau, die Großes für die - Beziehungen geleistet hat. Dafür erhielt sie 2022 das große Verdienstkreuz. Mein Mitgefühl ist bei den Angehörigen. pic.twitter.com/UO4l2xZnfQ
— Vito Cecere (@DEbotschafterAT) June 3, 2024
A life in the service of justice
Bierlein leaves behind an impressive career and a lasting legacy. Her work as a lawyer and as Federal Chancellor has left a lasting mark on Austrian politics and justice. She will be remembered as a committed advocate of the rule of law. Austria mourns the loss of a great personality whose influence will extend far beyond her time in office.