Sonja Zwazl (born 10 July 1946 in Weitra) is an Austrian politician of the Volkspartei (ÖVP). She was president of the Economic Chamber of Lower Austria [de] from 1999 to 2020 and a member of the Bundesrat from 2003 to 2023.[1]

Zwazl in 2013

Life and career

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After visiting a business school from 1960 to 1962, she studied at the Fototechnikum Agfa in Munich from 1971 to 1973 and founded a private company in 1969.[2][3]

She was a member of the Bundesrat from April 2003 to March 2023 and was president of the Economic Chamber of Lower Austria [de] from 1999 to 2020 (see also: Austrian Economic Chamber), which she is most known for. Her successor Wolfgang Ecker [de] thanked her for "years of successful work and incomparable commitment".[2][3][4] Additionally, for short periods of time, she was the president (from January to June 2015) and vice-president (January to June 2022) of the Bundesrat.[2]

Private Life

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She is divorced and has children.[2]

Honours

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Controversy

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She was criticized for her expensive farewell party in 2020, costing roughly 54.000 euros, especially because it took place during a time where many small businesses were suffering due to Covid-19.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "WKNÖ: Ecker zum neuen Präsidenten gewählt". noe.ORF.at (in German). 2020-05-11. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  2. ^ a b c d "Sonja Zwazl - Mitglied des Bundesrates; Niederösterreich". Meine Abgeordneten (in German). Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  3. ^ a b c "Sonja Zwazl seit 10 Jahren an der Spitze der Wirtschaftskammer NÖ". OTS.at (in German). Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  4. ^ "Wolfgang Ecker ist neuer Präsident der Wirtschaftskammer Niederösterreich". OTS.at (in German). Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  5. ^ "Zwazl Sonja | Parlament Österreich". www.parlament.gv.at (in German). Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  6. ^ "54.000 Euro: Teure Abschiedsfeier der Wirtschaftskammer Niederösterreich sorgt für Kritik". DER STANDARD (in Austrian German). Retrieved 2024-06-18.