Reactions to his passing

“Deep respect” for “Austrian original”

Congratulations from Mayor Michael Ludwig for Richard Lugner on the occasion of his 90th birthday in 2022(Bild: APA/EVA MANHART)

The news of the death of construction and society lion Richard Lugner triggered numerous reactions within a short space of time on Monday. Celebrities from politics and business paid great respect to the "Austrian original".

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, for example, called Lugner "a Viennese original who will be missed" via X (formerly Twitter). And: "Richard Lugner was a personality with a great entrepreneurial spirit, bustling and cheerful to the end, just as dazzling as his internationally renowned box guests with whom he attended the Vienna Opera Ball."

"Richard Lugner remained unconcernedly true to his idea of the good life," wrote the Federal President.

"Richard Lugner remained unconcernedly true to his idea of the good life," wrote the Federal President. Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) said via X: "Richard Lugner was a successful entrepreneur and a dazzling personality. An Austrian original who never bent. May he rest in peace!"

FPÖ Federal Party Chairman Herbert Kickl and the third President of the National Council Norbert Hofer reacted with deep regret to the sad news. "Richard Lugner was not only an outstanding entrepreneur and a dazzling personality, but above all a person with a big heart. His commitment, his energy and his unshakeable belief in the good in people reached many people," said Hofer.

Congratulations from Mayor Michael Ludwig for Richard Lugner on the occasion of his 90th birthday in 2022(Bild: APA/EVA MANHART)

Kickl described Lugner as an "unmistakable original, a piece of Viennese cultural history. He is probably one of the few dazzling figures who has also succeeded in shaping the media for decades. My condolences go out to the family and relatives at this time".

Great consternation in Viennese local politics
NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized via X: "Richard Lugner marks the end of an era. A passionate entrepreneur, political head, dazzling personality and incredible entertainer is no more. This is very sad. My heartfelt condolences to his family."

Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig was "very saddened". "My condolences go out to the family," Ludwig emphasized in an X-Posting.

Mahrer: "Vienna will miss him very much"
The leader of the Vienna ÖVP, Karl Mahrer, expressed his deep regret: Lugner had "shaped the image of our city in a special way through his entrepreneurial vision and his extraordinary drive". Mahrer continued: "Richard Lugner provided significant impetus for the construction industry and the development of trade in Vienna (...) Vienna will miss him greatly." 

Trade association: "Outstanding work"
The Austrian Retail Association reacted with great sadness and expressed "deep respect" for Lugner: "Richard Lugner set new standards with his visionary strength and courage and inspired many - as a retailer and as a shopping center operator in the heart of the city of Vienna. I was particularly touched by his everlasting handshake quality. His legacy will remain with the industry," emphasized Stephan Mayer-Heinisch, President of the independent, non-partisan trade association. Rainer Will, Managing Director of the trade association, added: "Richard Lugner has become an icon of Austrian retail through his outstanding entrepreneurial work, which has created many jobs in the country."