Salzburg Regional Councilor Josef Schwaiger is dead

The Salzburg Finance and Agriculture Councillor Josef Schwaiger (ÖVP) passed away after a medical emergency on the night of Thursday at the Salzburg State Hospital. This was announced by the office of Governor Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) in a statement on Thursday. The 60-year-old was admitted to the hospital last weekend, where he was cared for in the intensive care unit.

Schwaiger's Career

Schwaiger had been in the service of the state of Salzburg since 1993, initially as an employee of the agricultural department. In 1998, he moved to the office of his predecessor as Agriculture Councillor, Sepp Eisl (ÖVP), where he was first closely involved in politics as the office manager. In 2001, he took over the management of a specialist department, and three years later, the entire department. In 2013, he was brought into the state government by Governor Wilfried Haslauer, where he took over, among other things, the agriculture and personnel departments.

Since 2023, he was responsible for the areas of agriculture, personnel, water, national park, energy, and the special organization for asylum and refugee accommodations. And since the departure of former Governor Wilfried Haslauer (ÖVP) from politics, the 60-year-old was also responsible for state finances.

Schwaiger had already been in the hospital at the beginning of October due to a condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in his face. He returned from sick leave for the budget negotiations at the beginning of last week.

Edtstadler: "Will Miss Him in Every Respect"

Schwaiger had dedicated himself with great passion in his political work, particularly to agriculture and forestry, rural areas, and protection against natural disasters, according to the state's statement. His work was always characterized by expertise, reliability, and the goal of improving the living conditions in the state of Salzburg in the long term. The deceased was appreciated far beyond party lines as a competent specialist politician, hands-on doer, and down-to-earth person who always took the concerns of the population seriously and sought pragmatic solutions.

"As a long-standing regional councilor and companion of the Salzburg People's Party, he took responsibility and always put the well-being of the people at the center. He will be missed in every respect and will always be remembered. We are losing not only an engaged politician but above all a very valuable person and friend. My thoughts are with the family," said Edtstadler.

Black Mourning Flag

The Salzburg state government has ordered a three-day state mourning period until October 25 following Schwaiger's passing. During this time, buildings of the federal government, the state, and the municipalities will display the black mourning flag. Members of the state government, the presidency of the state parliament, and the members of the state parliament will not participate in any public events during this period. It is also suggested to commemorate the deceased regional councilor with a minute of silence at public events.

There were numerous expressions of condolence from both federal and state as well as municipal politics. Chancellor and ÖVP chairman Christian Stocker stated that Schwaiger's "handwriting will remain noticeable in many projects and initiatives forever." General Secretary Nico Marchetti and club leader August Wöginger also expressed their condolences. Further reactions from the federal level came from Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ), Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig, and Energy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (both ÖVP). They all highlighted Schwaiger's connecting nature, his reliability, and expertise.

Svazek: "Sepp will be infinitely missed"

At the state level, in addition to Edtstadler, representatives of all other parties represented in the state parliament expressed their condolences. "Sepp will be infinitely missed," said government colleague and FPÖ leader Marlene Svazek. Salzburg's Social Democrats paid Schwaiger "respect, thanks, and recognition for his work and impact." KPÖ-Plus club leader Natalie Hangöbl praised the deceased as a "knowledgeable and pragmatic politician," and Green state spokesperson Martina Bertold described the deceased as a person "with edges, corners, and a big heart." Salzburg's Mayor Bernhard Auinger expressed his grief. The Chamber of Agriculture and the ÖVP Farmers' Association also mourned Schwaiger's death.

Tyrol's Governor Anton Mattle and Agriculture Officer Deputy Governor Josef Geisler (both ÖVP) emphasized the good cooperation between Tyrol and Salzburg.

(APA/Red)

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