Steiermark's Parliament Holds Commemorative Session for Shooting Victims

The Parliament of Styria convened on Tuesday for a solemn commemorative session honoring the ten victims of last week's tragic shooting. In a display of unity, party representatives chose to set aside political discussions, acknowledging that it was too soon for such discourse. The speeches delivered were characterized by a somber tone, resonating with the shared grief felt across all factions, and many attendees struggled to contain their emotions.

As the session commenced, nearly all members of the parliament donned black attire, with male representatives wearing dark ties. An atmosphere of quiet reflection permeated the usually lively parliamentary chamber. Prior to the session, heartfelt greetings were exchanged, particularly towards members of the Graz city government, led by Mayor Elke Kahr, who took a seat in the audience. A black mourning ribbon was displayed alongside the Styrian state flag on the podium.

The session began with a moment of silence, led by the Parliament President, who remarked that the capital city is still "in shock." He emphasized that the experiences of witnesses and victims would remain unforgettable, but assured that the people of Styria would stand together in solidarity.

Regional Governor Mario Kunasek spoke gently and with empathy, stating that it would take a long time for the emotional wounds inflicted by this tragedy to heal. He assured those affected that the government would not abandon them, encouraging victims and witnesses to seek assistance. He acknowledged the difficulty in finding the right words during such times, emphasizing the importance of listening and being present for one another.

Deputy Governor Manuela Khom reflected on the common phrases parents often say to their children as they leave for school, highlighting the tragic reality that some families would never have a chance to say goodbye. She expressed her heartache over the loss of life, emphasizing the profound impact on the families of the deceased students.

Marco Triller, the leader of the Freedom Party faction, struggled to maintain his composure as he spoke, sharing that as a father of three, including one child the same age as the victims, he felt deeply affected by the tragedy. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, stating that while Graz is wounded, the community stands united.

The leader of the Social Democratic Party, Max Lercher, acknowledged the depth of sorrow while also noting that such dark moments reveal the potential for human kindness and solidarity. Sandra Krautwaschl, head of the Green Party faction, fought back tears as she stressed the importance of unity in the face of despair.

Niko Swatek, leader of the NEOS faction, conveyed that no words could undo the events of June 10, but remaining silent felt inappropriate. He shared his personal experience of loss, having recently welcomed a child who passed away too soon. Swatek briefly mentioned the need for stricter gun laws, emphasizing that individuals deemed unfit for military service due to mental instability should not have access to firearms. He criticized the lack of information sharing among authorities that could prevent such tragedies.

Claudia Klimt-Weithaler from the Communist Party also highlighted the role of media in reporting on the event, noting that not all coverage has been responsible. She echoed the sentiment of unity as she concluded her remarks, affirming the importance of standing together during this difficult time.