After Resignation: Who is the Woman Now Giving Orders at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce?

Margarete Kriz-Zwittkovits is the new president of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, stepping into the role after the resignation of Walter Ruck. The 67-year-old entrepreneur, who previously served as Ruck's deputy, is known for a more cooperative leadership style and a focus on engaging with local businesses.

Ruck resigned following allegations of sexism, cronyism, and a questionable approach to power and politics. Kriz-Zwittkovits, who founded her first company in 1986 and has experience in the real estate sector, also has a background in local politics, having served as a municipal councilor for the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) in Vienna.

Despite her different approach, Kriz-Zwittkovits is expected to maintain the policy direction set by her predecessor. Ruck himself had described his strategy in leaked conversation protocols, indicating how he wielded influence within the city's political landscape, particularly in managing the relationship between the ÖVP and the Social Democratic Party-led city government.

Kriz-Zwittkovits's ascent to the presidency comes after she reportedly deferred a potential candidacy in the Vienna elections in 2025 in favor of Ruck's son. Her supporters describe her as being close to the people and actively engaging with business owners in her home district. While Ruck did not groom her as a successor, she now holds the reins of power.