In 2017, Elisabeth Köstinger, together with Doris Bures and Norbert Hofer, led the National Council as president for 38 days. The former minister can still not be found in the gallery of presidents.
In the House there are portraits of former Presidents of the National Council. The portrait of Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP) cannot be found among them. As a reminder, she was elected president on 9 November 2017. Then she filled this position for 38 days: On 18 December 2017, she was appointed Minister of Tourism and Agriculture under Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP). Wolfgang Sobotka was Köstinger’s successor at the head of the parliament.
Before the reform of the parliament, portraits of the presidents and their deputies were found in the reception room of the parliament; The newly elected President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ), his predecessor Sobotka, the current Third President Doris Bures – and Elisabeth Köstinger have not yet been immortalized there.
It is not entirely clear why this portrait is still missing, as the “Standard” reports. Köstinger herself says in the report that she already had a conversation with the Director of Parliament Harald Dossi and asked for a portrait. However, the parliamentary directorate did not get back to us on this: “That is a shame. “I would hope that the parliamentary administration would see me as an official,” says Köstinger. The parliamentary directorate seems to remember the events differently. “There was a loose exchange about this issue with Elisabeth Köstinger once,” says a parliamentary speaker in “Caighdean”. “But no official request has been received yet.” (Ed.)
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a rather intriguing side of Austrian politics—specifically, the case of Elisabeth Köstinger, who briefly led the National Council back in 2017. Joining us is Dr. Anna Weiss, a well-respected political analyst who specializes in Austrian governance. Dr. Weiss, thank you for being here.
Dr. Weiss: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this fascinating topic.
Editor: Let’s start at the beginning. Elisabeth Köstinger served as president of the National Council for just 38 days. Can you give us some context around her election?
Dr. Weiss: Certainly. Köstinger was elected on November 9, 2017. At that time, she was a member of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and had recently gained attention for her leadership capabilities. However, her term as president was cut surprisingly short as she transitioned into a ministerial role just a few weeks later.
Editor: Right. It’s quite unusual to see someone ascend to such a prominent role only to disappear from the gallery of past presidents so quickly. What does this say about political careers in Austria?
Dr. Weiss: It highlights the fluid nature of political roles in Austria. The quick shift from being National Council President to a ministerial seat could suggest that political priorities can change rapidly. This can sometimes overshadow longer-term leadership tenures, especially when other responsibilities call.
Editor: Speaking of the gallery of presidents, you mentioned that Köstinger’s portrait is missing. Does this have any significance?
Dr. Weiss: Absolutely. The absence of her portrait could be interpreted in multiple ways. On one hand, it may reflect the shortness of her presidency, literally leaving little to commemorate. On the other hand, it may also symbolize how fleeting recognition can be in the political landscape, particularly for women in leadership roles.
Editor: That’s an intriguing perspective. How has Köstinger’s quick transition been received by the public and political analysts?
Dr. Weiss: Generally, it has elicited mixed reactions. Some see it as a missed opportunity for continuity in leadership. Others view it as a strategic decision, allowing her to impact policy more directly as a minister. Political analysts have pointed out that, despite the brevity of her leadership, Köstinger remains influential through her ministerial work.
Editor: In the context of her subsequent role as a minister, what impact has she had since leaving the presidency?
Dr. Weiss: Köstinger has focused extensively on rural development and sustainability as a minister. Her policies in these areas have been well-regarded, significantly advancing discussions on environmental responsibility within the government. This shows that even short leadership tenures can lead to substantial contributions in other roles.
Editor: would you say Köstinger’s experience illustrates a larger trend for women in politics?
Dr. Weiss: Indeed, it does. Women often face more challenges in political recognition, and Köstinger’s case accentuates this. Yet, it also demonstrates resilience and the potential for impactful leadership beyond traditional roles. It’s crucial for future female leaders to learn from such experiences and advocate for more inclusive recognition.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Weiss, for these insightful comments! Köstinger’s brief presidency certainly opens up a broader conversation about women’s roles in politics and the importance of recognition. We appreciate your expertise on this matter.
Dr. Weiss: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this important topic.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us today. We look forward to more discussions on political trends and the evolving landscape of leadership in Austria. Stay informed with Time.news!