Farewell to Alfred Stingl: A life for Graz and his people

Farewell to Alfred Stingl: A life for Graz and his people

Graz, Österreich - On June 4, 2025, the city of Graz said goodbye to one of the most formative personalities in its history: Alfred Stingl. The former mayor lived on May 29 at the age of 86 the consequences of a serious illness, as steiermark.orf.at . Mayor Elke Kahr (KPÖ) announced the sad news and praised Stingl's tireless efforts for the city and its people.

Alfred Stingl, born in 1939, shaped Graz city policy over several decades. In 1962 he was a founding member of the "young generation" of the SPÖ and his political career led him to the municipal council in 1968. From 1985 to 2003 he headed the city's fortunes as the mayor. In his official businesses, Stingl always showed a good knack for integrative city policy, which brought him numerous awards, including the great golden honorary sign with the star and the ring of honor of the state of Styria. In 2005 he was also appointed honorary citizen of Graz.

a legacy full of highlights

Stingl's term was characterized by many significant events, including the explanation of the old town of Graz as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and the opening of the new synagogue in 2000.

Peter Grabensberger, former press spokesman in the mayor's office, remembers the time with stingl in a podcast. He describes him as a man who was never loud, but always clear. "Graz helped his empathy and consequence into a social cooperation," said Grabensberger. In this podcast, personal anecdotes and memories of stingls seem divided, which inspect the viewers and listeners alike to think about his legacy. The entire episode is available online at graz.at/podcast .

reactions to the loss

The reactions to stingl's death are as numerous as it is moving. Max Lercher from the SPÖ emphasizes Stingl's belief in the good that shaped his political work. Mario Kunasek (FPÖ) also emphasizes that Stingl was a formative personality, while Manuela Khom complains about the loss of a visionary and pioneer from the ÖVP. Doris Kampus (SPÖ) and Judith Schwentner (Greens) appreciate Stingl's contribution to a cosmopolitan and social city, while Sandra Krautwaschl (Greens) and Philipp Pointner (Neos) consider his commitment to people on the edge of society as priceless.

Although Alfred Stingl left us on May 29, his legacy remains alive in Graz. Mayor Kahr describes him as anactor and modest, and his visionary approaches will continue to shape city policy. Graz will never forget stingl, and his commitment to the community will always remain part of the city history.