Upper Austria's Former Governor Ratzenböck Dies

Long-serving governor (1977-1995) dies at 96 on Tuesday. His tenure saw Austria's EU accession and the fall of the Iron Curtain.

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2025 December 24 . 4:13 AM

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Upper Austria's Former Governor Ratzenböck Dies

Josef Ratzenböck, the former governor of Upper Austria, has died at the age of 96. Known as a key figure in the region’s modern history, he led the state for nearly two decades. His leadership spanned transformative events, including the fall of the Iron Curtain and Austria’s entry into the EU.

Ratzenböck served as Upper Austria’s governor from 1977 to 1995. His time in office earned him the nickname Landesvater—a fatherly figure deeply connected to the people. Before becoming governor, he established the state’s music school network in 1977 while working as a cultural councillor.

His political career reflected his belief in 'politics as service to others,' a principle rooted in his modest background. In 1989, he symbolically cut through the Iron Curtain at the Wullowitz border crossing, marking a historic moment as Europe’s divisions began to crumble. A committed European, he pushed for a stronger political centre within the EU. Married to Anneliese Ratzenböck since 1954, he remained a private family man despite his public role. Current Governor Thomas Stelzer described him as 'a great architect of Upper Austria,' while Deputy Governor Manfred Haimbuchner called him 'a defining figure of Austria’s Second Republic.'

Ratzenböck’s legacy includes nearly 20 years of leadership that shaped Upper Austria’s political and cultural landscape. His work in education, European integration, and citizen engagement left a lasting mark on the region. Tributes continue to honour his contributions to both the state and the country.