Interview with Dr. Heinz Fischer about his understanding of the Presidency

Mr. President, in April 2010 you were re-elected for a second six-year term in office. How do you assess your experience so far?

Heinz Fischer: Up to this point, I have had very good experiences. I am endeavouring to represent my positions and ideals in practice, and I think that I have been successful to some degree, in a way that is visible to the public.

From what I can see, the Austrian public's response to me is positive, and the election results of almost 80 percent of valid votes speak for themselves. I also have developed my contacts abroad very well, something certainly very beneficial for Austria.

For example, you have said that you want to be there especially for the weaker members of our society. What general approach are you following in this context?

Heinz Fischer: Policy influences social structures both directly and indirectly. For this reason, we also have a special responsibility towards the social structures of our society. We assume this responsibility when we work for social justice, when we take up the fight against poverty (both nationally and internationally), and when we regard it as our duty to enable the weaker and weakest members of our society as well, especially those who are sick or disabled or no longer working, to live in dignity. The Federal President is not an executive body in the area of social policy, but if he professes these principles, he thereby supports social-policy efforts.

There is a clear separation, one might even say a rift, between the government and the opposition. Can the Federal President be a balancing factor in this situation?

Heinz Fischer: Conflict between the government and the opposition is nothing unusual in a working democracy, if at the same time democratic rules (especially the Constitution) are followed conscientiously and the principles of political culture are not violated. With these objectives in mind, I am trying very hard to build trusting relationships with both the government and the opposition, and to build a bridge here and there or support the idea of a joint solution.

The Federal President does not interfere in individual day-to-day political issues, but he defines his position and has an opinion, which he makes known. What he says and how he expresses himself also matter a great deal, that is to say, the Federal President’s viewpoints should be formulated using good judgement, and should strive for balance.

Furthermore, situations can naturally arise in which clear, strong language is necessary, for example, where human rights or the fight against anti-semitism are concerned, or to clearly condemn corruption.

Right at the beginning of your first term, you visited a number of countries, including our neighbours. How do you see your role as Austria’s “leading diplomat,” as we often say?

Heinz Fischer: Among other things, the Constitution says that the Federal President represents the Republic “internationally.” However, this does not happen in competition with the Foreign Minister (which is why I would not use the phrase “leading diplomat”); rather, it expresses that one of the President’s duties is to concern himself with the country’s relationships with other states (and naturally also with other heads of state) and in so doing to represent Austria’s interests. From a purely legal point of view, most of Austria’s legally binding international actions require the approval and signature of the Federal President; whether it be sending ambassadors to other countries, starting negotiations, concluding international treaties, or accepting foreign ambassadors by receiving their credentials, etc. This is most successful when accomplished in co-operation with the Foreign Ministry and others working in foreign policy. Fortunately, I also have outstanding colleagues in this area in the Office of the Federal President and up to this point, my experience with “international representation” has been very good and very reassuring. This is also true in reverse, when important foreign visitors come to Vienna. During my 12 years of experience as the President of the National Assembly, I also made many close acquaintances and friendships with leading figures from other countries.

Up to this point in your term, what contacts have become particularly interesting and important to you?

Heinz Fischer: If you mean within the country, I would say that, naturally, all contacts with public officials are important to me, because of course I consider smooth co-operation among all constitutional institutions to be a particularly important objective. That is why it is important to have good working contacts with the members of the government, the leaders of the political parties, the leadership of the social partners, parliamentarians, federal state and local leaders, and naturally also diplomats working in Austria.

In addition, I try to forge good relationships with the representatives from the religious communities; it is important to me to have good relationships with creative artists, and not only those that are already established, but also those who are less well-known; and I am also very interested in science, research and science policy. Austria has great scientific potential, which we must use in an optimal way.

And as far as other countries are concerned, I would like to call it almost a privilege to be in contact with so many interesting leading personalities from all regions of the world. I especially enjoy talking to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who has already visited us with his wife two or three times at Mürzsteg, the presidential summer residence. I consider talks with the Chinese leadership very important and very interesting. The first time I visited China was in 1974. I have had several short encounters with U.S. President Obama, and I have a very good impression of him. I have the pleasure to count a whole range of Presidents from EU countries among my friends, and I would rather not continue the list, because when abroad one naturally also meets with former politicians and interesting personalities from the fields of science, culture, or the world of media.

Much of what you have said also shows the new momentum you have built in your approach to the presidency. If you yourself were to take a critical look back, where do you think you have encountered limitations in carrying out your duties?

Heinz Fischer: The most difficult and unrelenting limitation in carrying out my duties is the time factor. A day has only 24 hours, a week only seven days, and we can’t change that; because of this, there are many things that a Federal President would like to do, for which there is simply no room in the calendar. I would like to take this opportunity to ask people for their understanding when a request for an appointment or visit, or any other request that takes up time, cannot be granted. In connection with this, of course, there are physical and health limitations that simply must be respected.

Otherwise, however, no other compelling limitations occur to me, since the Constitution does not specify any limitations upon me, but rather sets forth the rules which I swore to uphold closely when I took office. I also do not consider other religions or world views to be invisible limitations that make dialogue impossible, and I also do not see any “territorial” limitations, since I feel at home in all nine Austrian federal states, and crossing Austria’s borders always brings new ideas and interesting insights.

From all that you have said, are we to conclude that you enjoy being the Federal President?

Heinz Fischer: I can answer that very concisely: Yes. Up to this point, I have had many very good experiences, and it is a pleasure, even though it is demanding.