Schwetz Was Sworn In As Public Advocate
The 42-year-old succeeds the now President of the National Council, Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ). Previously, Schwetz was the district commissioner of Wels-Land. The National Council appointed her last week by a large majority. Schwetz intends to approach her role in a "unifying" manner and bring in experiences from previous stations.
Van der Bellen welcomed the Ombudswoman at the Hofburg and congratulated her "very warmly" on her new task: "You are taking on responsibility." The Federal President praised the Ombudsman's office as an important institution for the protection of civil and human rights. He saw Schwetz's previous career as a "very good prerequisite" for the function. "Important to mention," said Van der Bellen, was her role as chairwoman of the Social Welfare Association. He also referred to Schwetz's Romance studies: "I envy you for your Spanish."
Schwetz Arrived with Family
Van der Bellen wanted to "expressly" thank Rosenkranz for his previous work. After he had sworn in Schwetz by handshake and signature, he also welcomed her family and was ready for a group photo. Afterwards, they retired for a private conversation. The Ombudswoman said that she now wanted to get to know her staff first and orient herself in the new job. The current term of office of the Ombudsman's office runs until June 2025.
Only the NEOS voted against Schwetz in parliament. Their MP Stephanie Krisper criticised that the selection had been made behind closed doors and without criteria. The FPÖ justified the suitability also with her function as chairwoman of the Social Welfare Association in her home region. ÖVP and SPÖ, who each also have a representative in the Ombudsman's office with Gaby Schwarz and Bernhard Achitz, referred to the provision that the three strongest factions select suitable persons. The Greens criticised the appointment mode as not transparent enough and not qualitative enough, but ultimately agreed to the proposal.
Schwetz was born in Linz in 1982 and completed her studies in law and Romance languages in Vienna. She began her professional career in 2006 as a parliamentary assistant to the FPÖ National Council member Lutz Weinzinger, after which she became a consultant in the Freedom Party's parliamentary group. From 2013 to 2015 she was the office manager of the Third President of the National Council Norbert Hofer and afterwards in the same function for Infrastructure State Councillor Günther Steinkellner. After heading the plant department in the Perg district administration, Schwetz was appointed district commissioner of the Wels-Land district in April 2018. In this district, she is also the chairwoman of the Social Welfare Association.
(APA/Red)
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