Brigitte Bierlein Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Brigitte Bierlein
Bierlein in 2019

Chancellor of Austria
In office 3 June 2019 – 7 January 2020
President	Alexander Van der Bellen
Vice-Chancellor	Clemens Jabloner
Preceded by	Sebastian Kurz
Succeeded by	Sebastian Kurz
President of the Constitutional Court
In office 23 February 2018 – 3 June 2019
Vice President	Christoph Grabenwarter
Preceded by	Gerhart Holzinger
Succeeded by	Christoph Grabenwarter
Vice President of the Constitutional Court
In office 1 January 2003 – 22 February 2018
President	Karl Korinek Gerhart Holzinger
Preceded by	Karl Korinek
Succeeded by	Christoph Grabenwarter

Personal details
Born	(1949-06-25)25 June 1949 Vienna, Austria
Died	3 June 2024(2024-06-03) (aged 74) Vienna, Austria
Political party	Independent
Alma mater	University of Vienna
Website

Brigitte Bierlein (born 25 June 1949 – died 3 June 2024) was an important Austrian legal expert. She served as the head of Austria's highest court, the Constitutional Court. Later, she became the Chancellor of Austria, which is like the prime minister, from June 2019 to January 2020. She was an independent person, meaning she didn't belong to a political party. Brigitte Bierlein was the first woman to hold either of these very important jobs in Austria.

Before becoming Chancellor, Bierlein worked as a top public prosecutor, helping to bring criminals to justice. She was also a key member and later the vice president of the Constitutional Court. This court makes sure that laws follow the country's constitution.

In 2019, after a political event led to the previous government being dismissed, President Alexander Van der Bellen chose Brigitte Bierlein to be the new Chancellor. This was a big moment because she was the first woman to ever lead the Austrian government. She served until a new government was formed after an election in September 2019.

Early Life and Education
A Career in Law
- Joining the Constitutional Court
Chancellor of Austria (2019–2020)
Personal Life
Honours
- Austrian honours
- Foreign honours
See also

Early Life and Education

Brigitte Bierlein was born in Vienna, Austria, on 25 June 1949. Her father worked for the government, and her mother was an artist who stayed at home. She went to a school called Gymnasium Kundmanngasse and finished in 1967.

Brigitte first thought about studying art or architecture. But she decided to study law instead. She wanted to help her parents by finishing her studies quickly. She went to the University of Vienna and earned her law degree in 1971.

A Career in Law

Brigitte Bierlein in 2018

Brigitte Bierlein started her legal career as a judge in 1975. For two years, she worked in trial courts in Vienna. She handled different kinds of cases, including those about renting homes.

In 1977, she joined the Public Prosecutor's Office in Vienna. Here, she worked on general criminal cases and even cases related to media law. In 1986, she was promoted to a higher position in the prosecution service.

In 1990, Brigitte Bierlein became the advocate general of the Procurator's Office. This office works closely with Austria's highest court, the Supreme Court. She was the first woman to ever hold this important role.

From 2001 to 2003, she was the president of the Association of Austrian Prosecutors. She also served on the board of the International Association of Prosecutors during this time.

Joining the Constitutional Court

In 2002, Brigitte Bierlein was chosen to become the vice president of the Constitutional Court. This court checks if laws are fair and follow the country's constitution. Some people debated her appointment, but her supporters said it was an important step for women in Austria.

President Thomas Klestil officially appointed her on 1 January 2003. Again, she was the first woman to serve in this position. Before 1995, there had been no women at all on the Constitutional Court.

In 2018, Brigitte Bierlein became the president of the Constitutional Court. This was another historic moment, as she was the first woman to lead this very important court. She stayed in this role until she became Chancellor in 2019.

Chancellor of Austria (2019–2020)

Brigitte Bierlein being sworn in as Chancellor, 3 June 2019

Brigitte Bierlein at the 2019 Europa-Forum Wachau

Brigitte Bierlein was not part of any political party. She was known for being fair and working well with people who had different ideas.

In May 2019, the government led by Sebastian Kurz lost a vote in parliament. This meant the government had to step down. President Alexander Van der Bellen then asked Brigitte Bierlein to become the new Chancellor of Austria. This made her the first woman to ever hold this top leadership position in Austria.

Her appointment was supported by all major political parties. She led a temporary government until a new election was held on 29 September 2019. After the election, a new government was formed, and she stepped down in January 2020.

Personal Life

Brigitte Bierlein was not married and did not have children. Her long-time partner was Ernest Maurer, who was also a retired judge. He passed away in 2021.

Brigitte Bierlein loved the arts. She enjoyed looking at modern paintings, going to the theater and opera, and visiting museums. She also liked outdoor activities like skiing and sailing.

Brigitte Bierlein passed away on 3 June 2024, at the age of 74, after a short illness.