Jodok Fink Monument, Bregenz

The monument honours Jodok Fink (1853–1929), one of the key figures of the early Austrian republic. A trained farmer who entered politics, he served as Austria’s first Vice-Chancellor from 1919 to 1920. After the fall of the Habsburg monarchy, he helped stabilise the young republic and promoted cooperation between divided political groups, while opposing plans for Vorarlberg to join Switzerland.

The bronze statue shows Fink standing upright in modest formal clothing. The style is realistic and restrained, but one detail caused debate at the unveiling: Fink is shown with his hands in his pockets. Some critics found this pose undignified and gave the statue the nickname “Hosasacker.” Others saw it as true to his direct and rural character. His calm stance reflects his role as a mediator between rural conservatives and urban Social Democrats.

The monument holds special importance because it was the first large monument erected by the state of Vorarlberg in honour of a single individual. In July 2020, the statue was temporarily relocated to stand in front of Palais Thurn und Taxis for several years before returning to its usual setting. The work remains closely tied to debates about political leadership, modesty, and the memory of the republic’s fragile beginnings.