“As a passionate European, Hugo Portisch brought the world into our living rooms, explaining it to us. His curiosity and desire to look always behind the scenes were contagious. As a young boy, I would sit in front of the television, spellbound. I owe my understanding of Austrian history in great part to Hugo Portisch’s work.
As a journalist, he made an enormous contribution to the development of the Austrian media landscape, as well as of independent and critical journalism.
Hugo Portisch was fair, incorruptible, kept a critical distance without ever becoming complacent and was aware of fundamental values such as democracy, separation of powers, freedom of opinion, human rights, and the importance of international cooperation. These were all qualities that distinguished him.
Hugo Portisch’s death leaves a void that will be impossible to fill. We will never thank him enough for all he did for Austria.
My deepest sympathy go to his family and friends.”
