The Stone Age is Over: Walter Ruck, a Technician of Power, Steps Down

Walter Ruck, the long-serving president of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, has stepped down, marking the end of a controversial tenure. Described as a "maker with handshake quality" on one hand and a "self-important string-puller" on the other, Ruck's resignation was seen as inevitable.

Ruck, a civil engineer by training, led the chamber with a mindset often associated with post-war politicians: power-conscious, even power-drunk, and self-assured to the point of arrogance. His network had long sustained him in his position, allowing him to pursue his goals without detours. However, this era has now concluded.

His decision to step down came after his own party, the ÖVP, began to distance itself from him. While initially appearing indifferent to his party's stance, the public resignation of members from the Vienna Business Association (Wiener Wirtschaftsbund), particularly women, likely impacted him significantly. These women cited negative experiences with Ruck's overbearing demeanor from past times, indicating deep-seated resentment within the party.

Ruck's departure was deemed necessary as he would have faced difficulties in public appearances and negotiations moving forward. The timing of his resignation, coinciding with the "summer lull" in news, may have amplified its impact, reducing the chances for the issue to fade. For some within the party and the Chamber, Ruck's decision came as a surprise, but the step was widely considered unavoidable.