# Brigitte Bierlein

> Austrian jurist and politician, former federal chancellor of Austria and president of the Austrian constitutional court (1949–2024)

**Wikidata**: [Q916162](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q916162)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigitte_Bierlein)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brigitte-bierlein

## Summary
Brigitte Bierlein was an Austrian jurist and politician who served as the first female Federal Chancellor of Austria and President of the Austrian Constitutional Court. Born in 1949, she was a prominent legal scholar and judge, known for her leadership in Austria's highest judicial body and her brief but historic tenure as chancellor from 2019 to 2020.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 25, 1949 (Vienna, Austria)
- **Died**: June 3, 2024
- **Nationality**: Austrian
- **Education**: University of Vienna (studied law)
- **Known for**: Serving as the first female Federal Chancellor of Austria (2019–2020) and President of the Austrian Constitutional Court
- **Employer(s)**:
  - Austrian Federal Government (as Chancellor)
  - Austrian Constitutional Court (as President)
- **Field(s)**: Law, Jurisprudence, Politics

## Contributions
Brigitte Bierlein made significant contributions to Austrian law and governance:
- **President of the Austrian Constitutional Court**: Led the court from 2018 to 2023, overseeing landmark rulings on constitutional matters.
- **Federal Chancellor of Austria**: Appointed in 2019 as Austria's first female chancellor, leading a transitional government until 2020.
- **Legal Scholarship**: Contributed to Austrian jurisprudence through her work as a judge and legal academic.
- **Public Service**: Played a key role in stabilizing Austria's political landscape during a period of transition.

## FAQs
### **What was Brigitte Bierlein's role in Austrian politics?**
Brigitte Bierlein served as Austria's Federal Chancellor from 2019 to 2020, leading a caretaker government after the collapse of the previous coalition. She was the first woman to hold this position.

### **Where did Brigitte Bierlein study?**
She studied law at the University of Vienna, one of Austria's oldest and most prestigious universities.

### **What awards did Brigitte Bierlein receive?**
She was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, recognizing her contributions to law and public service.

### **When did Brigitte Bierlein serve as President of the Constitutional Court?**
She served as President of the Austrian Constitutional Court from 2018 to 2023, overseeing critical judicial decisions.

### **What was her impact on Austrian law?**
As a jurist and judge, she influenced constitutional law in Austria, ensuring judicial independence and upholding the rule of law.

## Why They Matter
Brigitte Bierlein's leadership in Austria's highest court and her historic tenure as chancellor marked a significant moment in Austrian politics. Her work strengthened judicial integrity and demonstrated the importance of legal expertise in governance. As the first female chancellor, she broke barriers for women in Austrian politics, inspiring future generations of leaders.

## Notable For
- First female Federal Chancellor of Austria (2019–2020)
- President of the Austrian Constitutional Court (2018–2023)
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Graduate of the University of Vienna
- Pioneering role in Austrian jurisprudence and public service

## Body

### **Early Life and Education**
Brigitte Bierlein was born on June 25, 1949, in Vienna, Austria. She pursued her legal education at the University of Vienna, one of Europe's oldest universities, where she developed expertise in constitutional law.

### **Legal Career**
Bierlein began her career as a judge, eventually rising to prominent positions within Austria's judicial system. Her deep understanding of constitutional law led to her appointment as President of the Austrian Constitutional Court in 2018, a role she held until 2023.

### **Political Leadership**
In 2019, following a political crisis, Bierlein was appointed Federal Chancellor of Austria, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Her tenure was marked by stability and a focus on legal governance, guiding the country through a transitional period until 2020.

### **Awards and Recognition**
Bierlein received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, highlighting her contributions to law and public service.

### **Legacy**
Brigitte Bierlein's career exemplified the intersection of law and politics. Her leadership in both judicial and executive roles reinforced the importance of legal expertise in governance. As a trailblazer for women in Austrian politics, her legacy continues to inspire future leaders.

## References

1. Austrian Parliament personal database
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Brigitte Bierlein wird erste Bundeskanzlerin Österreichs. derStandard.at. 2019](https://derstandard.at/2000104101028/Brigitte-Bierlein-wird-erste-Bundeskanzlerin)
4. [Bundesministerinnen und Bundesminister, Staatssekretärinnen und Staatssekretär. Federal Chancellery of Germany](https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundesministerinnen-und-bundesminister)
5. Source
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Munzinger Personen
8. [Brigitte Bierlein ist tot. ORF.at](https://orf.at/stories/3359554/)
9. [Source](https://mix-n-match.toolforge.org/#/entry/63764156)