SPÖ Pensioners' Chief Peter Kostelka Has Died

The Carinthian held various positions in politics, including State Secretary, Ombudsman, and SPÖ club chairman. Until the end, he publicly advocated for the concerns of seniors, such as against the planned increase in their health insurance contributions. SPÖ leader Andreas Babler honored him as an "important comrade-in-arms."

Kostelka was a doctor of law who dedicated his career to politics in general and the SPÖ in particular. Although a Carinthian, he gained a foothold in the Vienna SPÖ, where he became the state party secretary.

Peter Kostelka: Role as State Secretary, Club Chairman, and Ombudsman

In the Vranitzky III government, Kostelka served as State Secretary in the Chancellery in the early 1990s. He then led the parliamentary club for six years. In 2001, Kostelka moved to the Ombudsman Board, where he worked for 13 years. His last major career station was the Pensioners' Association, which he led for a total of seven years. The Pensioners' Association expressed deep sorrow on Thursday.

For Babler, Kostelka carried out all his duties with the utmost competence and loyalty to social democratic ideals. Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) called Kostelka "a convinced social democrat and tireless fighter for social justice." He was not only a political shaper but also a person with sensitivity, foresight, and a pronounced sense of justice, wrote Carinthia's Governor Peter Kaiser (SPÖ).

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen stated via X that Austria is losing a courageous fighter for justice, a promoter of peace, and an engaged voice for those who have less to live on. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) wrote that Kostelka served the people of the country until the end. For this, he deserves his deepest respect.

Tributes from the Senior Citizens' Association and the Ombudsman

Senior Citizens' Association Chairwoman Ingrid Korosec (ÖVP) came to know and appreciate Kostelka as a committed ally when it came to the rights and concerns of older people. In his role as President of the Pensioners' Association and the Senior Citizens' Council, he passionately and persistently advocated for social justice. The Ombudsman recalled that Kostelka contributed significantly to the institution's broader public recognition by promoting cooperation with ORF in the program "Bürgeranwalt" (Citizen's Advocate).

For ÖGB Senior Citizens' Chief Monika Kemperle, he was "always a reliable voice for solidarity and humanity." Kostelka dedicated himself with much expertise and passion to ensuring a good life for pensioners, praised FSG Chief Josef Muchitsch of Kostelka's political life. His sudden death fills him with pain and great sorrow, wrote SP Club Chief Philip Kucher. Social Minister Korinna Schumann emphasized that Kostelka stood up for the rights of older people with great commitment and prudence. His dedication to the older generation will be sorely missed, declared AK President Renate Anderl.

The National Council Presidency and the Federal Council President also expressed their sorrow over Kostelka's passing. National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) praised him as a "highly committed politician with passion." He remained an engaged and reliable voice for the older generation and the concerns of senior citizens until the end, stated Federal Council President Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler (ÖVP). The Freedom Party's Deputy Club Chairwoman and Social Spokeswoman Dagmar Belakowitsch commended Kostelka's "factual style and his deep conviction to serve the people."

Green Party Leader Werner Kogler described Kostelka as a "sincere social democrat and excellent jurist." He "always contributed to parliamentary processes with great sensitivity and willingness to compromise." The Freedom Party's Deputy Club Chairwoman and Social Spokeswoman Dagmar Belakowitsch also praised Kostelka's "factual style and his deep conviction to serve the people."

Former Federal President Heinz Fischer also expressed shock and dismay over the "sudden and completely unexpected death of his former colleague and decades-long friend." ÖVP Club Chairman August Wöginger extended condolences on behalf of the Austrian People's Party's parliamentary club and praised Kostelka as an influential figure with a "deep understanding of social policy."

(APA/Red)

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