High state awards for Erich Fenninger and Michael Landau

Social Minister Johannes Rauch today awarded high honors from the Republic of Austria to two personalities: Erich Fenninger, Federal Managing Director of Volkshilfe, was awarded the Golden Medal of Honor for services to the Republic of Austria. The President of Caritas Europe and long-time President of Caritas Austria, Michael Landau, received the Great Silver Medal of Honor for services to the Republic. Social Minister Johannes Rauch praised the two winners as “people from very different backgrounds with many common values: When people are in need, they need to be helped. Unfortunately, this basic consensus of humanity is being questioned by some parties.” ****

Erich Fenninger has been committed to social justice and the fight against poverty in Austria for over three decades. His professional career began as a social worker for the city of Vienna. From 1988 he worked for Volkshilfe Niederösterreich, and in 1991 he took over its management. Since June 2003, he has headed Volkshilfe Österreich as Federal Managing Director and has since then shaped one of the country’s most important social organizations.

As a special appreciation for this commitment, he was today awarded the Golden Medal of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. In his laudatory speech, Minister of Social Affairs Johannes Rauch praised Fenninger’s ability not only to point out social grievances, but also to develop concrete solutions at the same time. Under his leadership, Volkshilfe has initiated numerous innovative projects that support people in poverty and social exclusion.

“His work is characterized by a deep understanding of people’s concerns and needs, combined with the ability to help shape socio-political debates. Erich Fenninger is a strong voice in the fight against child poverty and advocates at all levels for those who are otherwise not heard enough. His commitment extends far beyond Austria’s borders,” said the Minister of Social Affairs.

Humanitarian authority in Austria

Michael Landau was awarded the Great Silver Medal of Honor for services to the Republic of Austria at the ceremony. Since 2020, Landau has been President of the Europe Region of Caritas Internationalis, one of the most important aid organizations in the world. In this role, he coordinates the work of 49 national Caritas organizations active in 46 countries.

From 2013 to 2023, Landau headed Caritas Austria as president. He steered the organization through years of social and global crises. “Michael Landau is a bridge builder who knows how to unite people across borders. His powers of persuasion and his credible commitment have made him a moral and humanitarian authority in Austria,” emphasized Social Minister Rauch in his laudatory speech. “With his work in Caritas Internationalis, he has shown for years that solidarity knows no boundaries and that acting together is stronger than any challenge.”