The definitive list of the Federal President’s powers was established in the 1929 constitutional amendment, which placed the President in a stronger position than did the Constitution of 1920. Click here for an overview of these powers.
The Federal President of Austria is the Head of State elected to a six-year term by the Austrian people. He is the only representative of the entire country who is elected in a direct democratic election.
Political Balance
In addition to these rights guaranteed by the Constitution, the Federal President is to serve as a moral support for the country. In this context, achieving balance among different social positions, including minorities in the political process, and complying with the democratic system have pride of place. The most important prerequisites for accomplishing these tasks are extensive political experience, a solid base of public support, expertise in all areas of life and politics, and the ability to be non-partisan.
Through this combination of the rights or powers legally established in the Constitution and the practical experience of the Federal President described above, the State achieves the necessary balance of powers. In this way, the President also serves as guarantor to other countries of Austria’s predictability of action within the international community.
The Federal Presidents of the Second Republic [Link to “Former Presidents”] have each fulfilled these responsibilities in their own way, and through their work have decisively helped shape Austria’s progress over the past 60 years.
Patronage and Decorations of Honour
More information is also available concerning patronage exercised by Dr. Heinz Fischer as well as the conferral of decorations of honour by the Federal President.