Michael Häupl: Despite Parkinson's-the ex-mayor remains positive!

Michael Häupl: Despite Parkinson's-the ex-mayor remains positive!

The former Mayor of Vienna and SPÖ Grande Michael Häupl, who was the head of the city from 1994 to 2018, turned to the public and revealed his health challenges. Parkinson's was diagnosed with him, which leads to a slight tremor of the right hand. "It sounds worse than it is," said Häupl in a conversation with . He emphasizes that the disease hardly restricts him: "But I can write legibly, the food is also not a problem." Häupl, 75 years old, regularly acts and trains with a “Vilim Ball” to relieve the symptoms. After his kidney cancer diagnosis in 2020, he was able to implement positive changes in his lifestyle to promote his health.

Despite his health challenges, Michael Häupl remains a formative figure in Viennese politics. During his tenure, he shaped the political landscape with numerous striking sayings. Many of his quotes have now been achieved cult status, like the famous “You bring the spray wine!”-saying, which keeps the Viennese remembered as entertaining and at the same time critical politicians. Looking back at his career it becomes clear that Häupl always had a sharp look at the political events. In 2010 he warned that the city should not be confused with the central cemetery, and expressed in 2005 about the election campaign: "Election campaign is the time of focus." These sayings are part of his unmistakable identity, which also shapes him after his departure from active political life, as Contrast

Häupl is still interested in political developments in Austria, for example in the coalition negotiations. However, he emphasizes that he wants to stay out of daily policy. "If you have preached your political life to talk in the living room and not on the balcony, you keep it that way," he says in a relaxed manner. In view of his current health situation, Häupl attaches great importance to staying optimistic and paying attention to himself. It becomes clear that his attitude and joie de vivre are still unbroken.