The Republic of Austria's stable political system has given rise to a federal parliamentary democracy, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

After centuries as a margravate, duchy and empire, Austria became a republic in 1918. The First Austrian Republic lasted almost 20 years before being formally dissolved on March 13, 1938, as part of Adolf Hitler's Anschluss policy. The Second Austrian Republic, formed after the end of World War II, has enjoyed political stability behind a Proporz system, where posts of political importance have been split between members of the Social Democrats (Labor Party) and the People's Party (Conservatives).

Political System

The Republic of Austria is considered a federal parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Vienna. The country became an independent nation through the establishment of the Margravate of Austria in the year 486 AD. The Duchy of Austria was founded in 1156, the Austrian Empire in 1804, and was finally proclaimed a republic on November 12, 1918. The national holiday is National Day, celebrated on October 26, commemorating the passage of the law on permanent neutrality.

Austria’s current constitution was originally adopted in 1920,l revised in 1929 and reinstated on May 1, 1945. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Republic of Austria consists of nine states (bundeslaender):

• Burgenland
• Kaernten (Carinthia)
• Niederoesterreich (Lower Austria)
• Oberoesterreich (Upper Austria)
• Salzburg
• Steiermark (Styria)
• Tirol
• Vorarlberg
• Wien (Vienna)

Executive Branch

The President is Austria’s chief of state. This person is elected by direct popular vote to a six year term, and is eligible for a second term. Heinz Fischer, the current President, was elected to the position on July 8, 2004.

The head of government is the Chancellor, formally chosen by the President, but determined by the parliamentary majority coalition parties. Alfred Gusenbauer, the current Chancellor, began his official duties on January 11, 2007. The Vice Chancellor is appointed by the President based on advice from the Chancellor. Wilhelm Molterer is the current Vice Chancellor.

All members of the Council of Ministers are are appointed by the President at the suggestion of the Chancellor. The current ministers are:

• Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management - Josef Proll
• Defense - Norbert Darabos
• Economics and Labor - Martin Bartenstein
• Education, Arts and Culture - Claudia Schmied
• European and International Affairs - Ursula Plassnik
• Health, Family and Youth - Andrea Kdolsky
• Interior - Gunther Platter
• Justice - Maria Berger
• Science and Research - Johannes Hahn
• Social Affairs and Consumer Protection - Erwin Buchinger
• Transport, Innovation and Technology - Werner Faymann
• Women, Media and Civil Service - Doris Bures

Legislative Branch

The Austrian Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung) is a bicameral body consisting of the 62-seat Federal Council (Bundesrat) and the 183-seat National Council (Nationalrat). Members of the Federal Council are selected by state parliaments to serve five or six year terms, with each state receiving 3 to 12 members depending on its population. National Council members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four year terms.

The current structure of the Federal Council, by political party is (number of seats):

• Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPOe) - 29
• Austrian People's Party (OeVP) - 26
• Greens - 4
• Non Attached - 3

The current structure of the National Council, by political party is (number of seats):

• Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPOe) - 68
• Austrian People's Party (OeVP) - 66
• Greens - 21
• Freedom Party of Austria (FPOe) - 21
• Alliance for the Future of Austria (BZOe) - 7

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof), Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtstof) and Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof).

Legal System

The Austrian legal system is based on civil law with Roman law origins. The system allows for separate administrative and civil/penal Supreme Courts, and legislative acts may undergo judicial review by the Constitutional Court. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Federal Chancellery - Austria Official Website.

Republic Osterreich Parliament Official Website.