Gerstorfer takes over as Head of the Pensioners' Association

On Friday, Birgit Gerstorfer became the first woman to be elected as President of the SPÖ-affiliated Pensioners' Association of Austria (PVÖ). The 61-year-old, who was nominated for the position in June, received 96.6 percent of the delegates' votes. She succeeds Peter Kostelka, who unexpectedly passed away in April. "Representing the interests of the older generation is now my most important task," Gerstorfer emphasized after her election.

Gerstorfer announced "full commitment"

She stated she would do this "with full commitment - in all societal matters and towards any government!" she is quoted in a press release. She intends to keep an eye on the government when it comes to saving - after all, the budget should not be balanced on the backs of seniors. Gerstorfer wants to focus on topics such as an age-appropriate working environment, the expansion of health and care services, and the fight against old-age poverty and discrimination. The compensatory allowance - that is, the minimum pension - must be above the poverty line, and older people should not be disadvantaged by the advancing digitalization. "Birgit Gerstorfer brings everything needed: courage, confidence, commitment, and assertiveness," SPÖ leader and Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler rejoiced.

The first woman at the head of the Pensioners' Association is concerned with "the interests of all older people, regardless of gender." However: "As a woman, you sometimes look at things differently and observe closely how decisions affect the genders." The interests of women will be more strongly represented. Ingrid Korosec - the first President of the ÖVP Senior Citizens' Association since 2016 - congratulated Gerstorfer: "I look forward to good cooperation within the framework of the Senior Citizens' Council to continue to vigorously represent the concerns of the older generation." It is a good signal that for the first time a woman leads the Pensioners' Association.

State President of the Pensioners' Association Upper Austria

Gerstorfer has been the State President of the Pensioners' Association of Upper Austria since 2023, and a successor is to be found after the summer. The new head of the Pensioners' Association was also the state managing director of the AMS and the state party chairwoman of the SPÖ in Upper Austria. After Kostelka's death, the Burgenland PVÖ State President Helmut Bieler temporarily led the Pensioners' Association.

(APA/Red)

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