View source for President of Austria

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Short description|Head of state of Austria}}
{{for|a list of officeholders|List of presidents of Austria}}

{{Infobox official post
| post = President
| body = Austria <!-- do not change the title without prior talk page consensus -->
| native_name = {{small|Bundespräsident der Republik Österreich}}
| insignia = Austria Bundesadler.svg
| insigniacaption = [[Coat of arms of Austria|Coat of arms]]
| insigniaalt = 
| flag = Flag of Austria (state).svg
| flagalt = 
| flagborder = yes
| flagcaption = [[Flag of Austria|State flag]]
| image = Van der Bellen portrait (cropped).jpg <!-- do not change this image without prior talk page consensus -->
| alt = 
| incumbent = [[Alexander Van der Bellen]]
| acting = 
| incumbentsince = 26 January 2017
| department = 
| style = [[Mr. President (title)|Mr. President]]<br />[[Excellency|His Excellency]]
| type = [[Head of state]]
| status = [[Supreme executive organ]]
| abbreviation = 
| member_of = [[Presidential Chancellery]]
| reports_to = 
| residence = 
| seat = [[Hofburg#Leopoldine Wing|Leopoldine Wing]], [[Hofburg Palace|Hofburg Imperial Palace]]<br />[[Innere Stadt]], [[Vienna]]
| nominator = [[Politics of Austria#Political parties|Political parties]] or self-nomination
| appointer = [[#Election|Direct popular vote]]
| appointer_qualified = sworn in by the [[Federal Assembly (Austria)|Federal Assembly]]
| termlength = Six years,
| termlength_qualified = renewable once consecutively
| constituting_instrument = [[Constitution of Austria]] (1960)
| precursor = 
| formation = Creation:<br />{{date and age|1920|11|10|df=yes|p=1|br=1}} <br />Restoration:<br />{{date and age|1945|4|27|df=yes|p=1|br=1}}
| first = [[Michael Hainisch]]
| last = 
| abolished = [[Anschluss]]:<br />{{date and age|1938|3|13|df=yes|p=1|br=1}} (later restored)
| superseded_by = 
| succession = [[#Succession|Line of succession]]
| unofficial_names = 
| deputy = 
| salary = €349,398 annually
| website = {{url|https://www.bundespraesident.at/en/index|bundespraesident.at}}
| footnotes = 
}}
{{Politics of Austria}}
The '''president of Austria''' ({{langx|de|Bundespräsident der Republik Österreich|lit=Federal President of the Republic of Austria}}) is the [[head of state]] of the [[Austria|Republic of Austria]].

The office of the president was established in 1920 by the [[Constituent National Assembly (Austria)|Constituent National Assembly]] of the [[First Austrian Republic|first republic]] following the collapse of the [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] and the [[Habsburg monarchy]] in [[Aster Revolution|1918]]. As head of state, the president indirectly succeeded the [[emperor of Austria]]. The power and role of the presidency has varied drastically over time. During the early first republic, the president was an utterly powerless [[figurehead]]. In the late first republic, the president received tremendous power but this power was swiftly taken away again following the abrogation of the [[Federal Constitutional Law|Constitution]] and the erection of a [[Federal State of Austria|corporatist dictatorship]] in 1934. When [[Anschluss|Nazi Germany annexed Austria]] in 1938, the presidency was completely abolished. Following the liberation of Austria by the [[Allies of World War II|allied forces]] in 1945, the republican Constitution was restored and so was the office of the president. Though the president regained the tremendous power they held before the corporatist era, since the second republic, the president voluntarily chose to serve as a ceremonial and symbolic figurehead, allowing the [[Chancellor of Austria|chancellor]] to become chief executive instead. Since the institution of the popular vote in 1951, only nominees of the [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|Social Democratic Party]] and the [[Austrian People's Party|People's Party]] had been elected to the presidency, with the exception of the [[The Greens – The Green Alternative|Green]]-endorsed incumbent [[Alexander Van der Bellen]].

The most notable presidential power is the appointment of the chancellor, the [[Vice-Chancellor of Austria|vice chancellor]] and the [[Minister (Austria)|ministers]], which collectively form the [[Government of Austria|Cabinet of Austria]]. The president also signs bills into law, appoints the justices of the [[Supreme Courts of Austria (disambiguation)|Supreme Courts]], signs treaties and exercises various ceremonial duties. Additionally, the president is empowered to remove the chancellor and the Cabinet, dissolve the [[National Council (Austria)|National Council]] and the [[Landtag|State Legislatures]], [[rule by decree]] and oversee the [[Austrian Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] but these powers have never or rarely been used. The president ranks first in Austria's [[order of precedence]], ahead of the [[President of the National Council (Austria)|Presidium of the National Council]] and the chancellor.

The workplace and official residence of the president is located in the [[Hofburg#Leopoldine Wing|Leopoldine Wing]] of the [[Hofburg Palace|Hofburg Imperial Palace]] in [[Vienna]].
{{TOC limit|3}}

== History ==
=== Background ===
[[File:Verzichtserklärung Karl I. 11.11.1918.jpg|left|thumb|The "Abdication Proclamation" of Emperor Charles I.]]
Prior to the collapse of the multinational [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] towards the end of [[World War I]], what now is the Republic of Austria had been part of a [[monarchy]] with an [[Emperor of Austria|emperor]] as its head of state and chief executive. The empire noticeably began to fracture in late 1917 and manifestly disintegrated into a number of independent [[Rump state|rump states]] over the course of the following year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zerfall der Habsburger-Monarchie: Nicht nur der Krieg war schuld |trans-title= |author= |work=DER STANDARD |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000090250936/der-zerfall-der-habsburger-monarchie-nicht-nur-der-krieg-war |language=de}}</ref>

As the emperor had grown practically powerless, the members of [[House of Deputies (Austria)|the lower chamber]] of the [[Imperial Council (Austria)|Imperial Council]] – representing [[Cisleithania]], including the empire's ethnically German provinces – formed a [[Provisional National Assembly]] for their paralyzed country on 21 October 1918.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Watson |title=Ring of Steel |pages=536–40}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=21. Oktober 1918: Die Provisorische Nationalversammlung konstituiert sich {{!}} Parlament Österreich |trans-title= |author= |work=parlament.gv.at |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.parlament.gv.at/PERK/HIS/J1918/FOLGE06/ |language=de}}</ref> On 30 October, the National Assembly passed the ''Staatsgründungsbeschluss'', the law that proclaimed the creation of [[German-Austria]] and served as its provisional constitution. Additionally, the National Assembly appointed three coequal chairmen, one of them being [[Karl Seitz]], and established a [[State Council (German-Austria)|State Council]] to administer the executive branch.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ÖNB-ALEX - Staatsgesetzblatt 1918-1920 |trans-title= |work=alex.onb.ac.at |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/alex?aid=sgb&datum=1919&page=483&size=45 |language=de}}</ref> For about two weeks, the Empire and German-Austria co-existed, having a roughly similar population and territory.

On 11 November, [[Charles I of Austria|Emperor Charles I]] dissolved the Imperial Cabinet and officially renounced any participation in government affairs but did not abdicate, seeing this move only as a temporary break from his rule.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Habsburger Abdankung und Exil |trans-title= |author=otto.klambauer |work=kurier.at |date= 5 December 2011|access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://kurier.at/stars/habsburger-abdankung-und-exil/715.678 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Der letzte Kaiser verließ Österreich unter "feierlichem... |trans-title= |author= |work=Die Presse |date= 22 March 2019|access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.diepresse.com/5596340/der-letzte-kaiser-verliess-oesterreich-unter-feierlichem-protest |language=de}}</ref> However, the next day, the National Assembly proclaimed German-Austria to be a republic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=12. November 1918: Die Ausrufung der Republik {{!}} Parlament Österreich |trans-title= |author= |work=parlament.gv.at |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.parlament.gv.at/PERK/HIS/J1918/FOLGE09/index.shtml |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=30. Oktober 1918: Deutschösterreich tritt ins Licht {{!}} Parlament Österreich |trans-title= |author= |work=parlament.gv.at |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.parlament.gv.at/PERK/HIS/J1918/FOLGE07/index.shtml |language=de}}</ref> Despite the effective dissolution of the Empire, the monarchy officially still continued to exist and Emperor Charles I continued exercising ceremonial powers as German-Austria refused to be seen as the successor to Austria-Hungary and thus the monarchy was not legally abolished; only following the passage of the [[Habsburg Law]] in April 1919, the monarchy formally ceased to exist and Charles I was dethroned and exiled.

The State Council assumed the remaining powers and responsibilities of the emperor, while the three assembly chairmen – as chairmen of the State Council – became the country's collective [[head of state]].

=== Establishment ===
On 4 March 1919, the [[Constituent National Assembly (Austria)|Constituent National Assembly]], the first parliament to be elected by [[universal suffrage]], convened and named Seitz its chairman a day later.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Erste Nationalratswahl |author= |work=hdgö - Haus der Geschichte Österreich |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.hdgoe.at/erste-nationalratswahl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Die ersten weiblichen Abgeordneten der Ersten Republik |trans-title= |author= |work=DER STANDARD |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000124842716/die-ersten-weiblichen-abgeordneten-der-ersten-republik |language=de}}</ref> The National Assembly disbanded the State Council on 15 March – hence Seitz became the sole head of state<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kennen Sie die bisherigen Amtsinhaber? |trans-title= |work=Bundespräsident |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.bundespraesident.at/aktuelles/detail/bisherige-amtsinhaber |language=de}}</ref> – and began drafting a new Constitution the same year. The [[Christian Social Party (Austria)|Christian Social Party]] advocated creating a presidency with comprehensive executive powers, similar to the [[President of Germany (1919–1945)|presidency of the Weimar Republic]]. However, the [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|Social Democratic Worker's Party]], fearing that such a president would become a "substitute emperor", favored reverting to a parliamentary [[presidium]] acting as collective head of state. In the end, the framers of the Constitution opted for a compromise, creating a presidency that was separate from the legislature but lacked even nominal power.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Ucakar |first1=Karl |title=Das politische System Österreichs und die EU. |last2=Gschiegl |first2=Stefan |year=2010 |edition=2 |pages=125 |language=De}}</ref>

[[File:Michael Hainisch (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Michael Hainisch]], the first president of Austria]]
On 1 October, the [[Federal Constitutional Law]], the centerpiece of the new Constitution, was ratified by the National Assembly and on 10 November, it became effective, making Seitz president of Austria in all but name.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Das Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz {{!}} Parlament Österreich |author= |work=parlament.gv.at |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.parlament.gv.at/PERK/VERF/BVG/}}</ref> The new Constitution established the president to be elected by the [[Federal Assembly (Austria)|Federal Assembly]], a joint session of both houses of the now-bicameral [[Parliament of Austria|Parliament]]. On 9 December 1920, the Federal Assembly elected [[Michael Hainisch]] as the first official president of Austria.<ref>{{Cite news |title=MICHAEL HAINISCH, EX-HEADOFAUSTRIA; First President of Nation's Republic, Who Foresaw Its Downfall, Dies at 81 URGED UNION OF GERMANS Rejoiced When Nazis Annexed His Country, Which He Led in Stormy Years, 1920-28 (Published 1940) |author= |work=[[The New York Times]] |date= March 1940|access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/01/archives/michael-hainisch-exheadofaustria-first-president-of-nations.html}}</ref>

=== First Republic ===
The [[parliamentary system]] erected by the new Constitution was highly unpopular with the majority of the population.{{cn|date=October 2024}} This led to surging support for the [[Authoritarianism|authoritarian]] and [[paramilitary]] ''[[Heimwehr]]'' movement, which preferred a system that strengthens presidential authority. On 7 December 1929, under growing pressure from the ''Heimwehr'', the Constitution was amended to give the president sweeping executive and legislative power.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bundes-Verfassungsnovelle 1929 |author= |work=hdgö - Haus der Geschichte Österreich |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.hdgoe.at/bundes-verfassungsnovelle-1929}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Österreich, eine "halbpräsidentiale" Republik? |trans-title= |author= |work=DER STANDARD |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000048142501/oesterreich-eine-halbpraesidentiale-republik |language=de}}</ref> Although most of these powers were to be exercised through the [[Minister (Austria)|minister]]s, on paper the president now had powers equivalent to those of presidents in [[presidential system]]s. It also called for the office to be elected by popular vote and expanded the president's term to six years. The first election was scheduled for 1934. However, owing to the financial ramifications of the [[Great Depression]], all parties agreed to suspend the election in favor of having [[Wilhelm Miklas]] reelected by the Federal Assembly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Präsident Zauderer |trans-title= |author= |work=DER STANDARD |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.derstandard.at/story/1628862/praesident-zauderer |language=de}}</ref>

Three years later, [[Engelbert Dollfuss]] and the [[Fatherland Front (Austria)|Fatherland Front]] tore down Austrian parliamentarism altogether, formally annulling the Constitution on 1 May 1934.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Der Staat der Mai-Verfassung: Auf Sand gebaut |trans-title= |author= |work=DER STANDARD |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.derstandard.at/story/1658766/der-staat-der-mai-verfassung-auf-sand-gebaut |language=de}}</ref> It was replaced by an authoritarian and corporatist system of government that concentrated power in the hands of the chancellor, not the president. Miklas was stripped of the authority he had gained in 1929, but agreed to act as a figurehead for the sake of institutional continuity anyway. He was not entirely powerless, however; during the ''[[Anschluss]]'' crisis, he provided some of the stiffest resistance to Nazi demands.<ref>William Shirer, ''The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich'' (Touchstone Edition) (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1990)</ref> He technically remained in office until 13 March 1938, the day Austria was annexed by [[Nazi Germany]] and thus lost its sovereignty. The annexation was legally formalised after Austria and Germany simultaneously passed what was effectively the same law; a plebiscite with 99% support was intended to give the ''Anschluss'' additional democratic legitimacy.
[[File:TomvonDregerDollfuß.jpg|left|thumb|Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss played a key role in the history of [[fascism]] (1934).<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Austria - Authoritarianism: Dollfuss and Schuschnigg |author= |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.britannica.com/place/Austria/Authoritarianism-Dollfuss-and-Schuschnigg}}</ref>]]

=== Second Republic ===
When Austria was re-established as an independent state on 27 April 1945, the party leaders forming the provisional cabinet decided not to write a new constitution, instead reverting to that of 1920, as amended in 1929.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1945 - Wiederherstellung der Republik Österreich {{!}} Parlament Österreich |trans-title= |author= |work=parlament.gv.at |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.parlament.gv.at/PERK/HIS/REP2/1945/ |language=de}}</ref> Even though this revision was still somewhat controversial at that point, it was part of Austria's most recent constitutional framework, giving it at least some much-needed form of democratic legitimacy. The party leaders were also afraid that lengthy discussion might provoke the [[Soviet Army|Red Army]], then in control of [[Vienna]], to barge in and impose Communist rule. The Constitution thus reenacted, effective 1 May, therefore still entailed the provision calling for popular election of the president. Following the November [[1945 Austrian legislative election|1945 legislative election]], however, the Federal Assembly temporarily suspended this provision and installed [[Karl Renner]] as  president of Austria as of 20 December.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Karl Renner |trans-title= |last=Panzl-Schmoller |first=Silvia |work=Stadt Salzburg |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.stadt-salzburg.at/ns-projekt/ns-strassennamen/dr-karl-renner/ |language=de}}</ref> The suspension in question seemed to have been motivated mainly by a lack of money; no attempt was ever made to prolong it, and Renner had already been the universally accepted, ''de facto'' head of state anyway. Starting with the [[1951 Austrian presidential election|1951 election]] of Renner's successor [[Theodor Körner (Austrian president)|Theodor Körner]], all presidents have in fact been elected by the people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bundesheer - Truppendienst - Ausgabe 1/2012 - General und Bundespräsident: Theodor Körner (1873-1957) |trans-title= |work=bundesheer.at |date= |access-date=1 March 2022 |url= https://www.bundesheer.at/truppendienst/ausgaben/artikel.php?id=1230 |language=de}}</ref>

Since the restoration of the republic, presidents have taken an increasingly passive role in day-to-day politics (''Rollenverzicht'') and are rarely ever the focus of the press, except during presidential elections and political upheavals. A notable exception was [[Kurt Waldheim]], who became the subject of national and international controversy, after his service in the [[Wehrmacht]] and the [[Sturmabteilung]] were revealed to the public.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kadritzke |first=Till |date=2018-10-04 |title="Waldheims Walzer": Ein Mann, ein Tisch, eine Fahne - Doku über Kurt Josef Waldheim |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/kino/waldheims-walzer-ein-mann-ein-tisch-eine-fahne-doku-ueber-kurt-josef-waldheim-a-1231491.html |access-date=2022-12-11 |issn=2195-1349}}</ref> Another exception was [[Thomas Klestil]], who attempted to assume a far more active political role; he called for the [[grand coalition]] to remain in power and demanded to represent Austria in the [[European Council]] but ultimately failed on both counts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ÖCV - BP Dkfm. Dr. Thomas Klestil |url=https://oecv.at/Biolex/Detail/11000186 |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=oecv.at}}</ref> 

[[Alexander Van der Bellen]] (generally associated with the [[The Greens – The Green Alternative|Green Party]]) became the first president not affiliated with either of the two dominant parties – the [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|Social Democratic Party]] and the [[Austrian People's Party|People's Party]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-05-23 |title=Austria far right thwarted, Van der Bellen elected president |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36362505 |access-date=2022-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Left Jab: Moderate Alexander Van der Bellen wins Austrian presidential vote |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/austrian-presidential-vote-won-left-leaning-candidate-alexander-van-der-n691731 |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=NBC News |date=5 December 2016 |language=en}}</ref> – and the first president to dismiss a chancellor as well as an entire Cabinet as a result of a [[Motion of no confidence|parliamentary ouster]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-05-27 |title=Sebastian Kurz, Austrian chancellor, ousted by MPs after video row |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48422732 |access-date=2022-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Eddy |first=Melissa |date=2019-05-27 |title=Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Leader, Is Ousted in No-Confidence Vote |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/27/world/europe/sebastian-kurz-austria.html |access-date=2022-12-11 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

== Election ==
=== Procedure ===
The president of Austria is elected by popular vote for a term of six years and is limited to two consecutive terms of office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundespraesident.at/aktuelles/detail/wahl-und-amtszeit|website=bundespraesident.at|title=Wie wird man eigentlich Bundespräsident?|lang=de|access-date=29 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Dokumentnummer=NOR40129343|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Artikel 60 B-VG|lang=de|access-date=29 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel60|website=jusline.at|title=Art. 60 B-VG|lang=de|access-date=29 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=60|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 60, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> Voting is open to all people entitled to vote in general parliamentary elections, which in practice means that suffrage is universal for all Austrian citizens over the age of sixteen that have not been convicted of a jail term of more than one year of imprisonment. (Even so, they regain the right to vote six months after their release from prison.)

Until 1 October 2011, with the exception of members of any ruling or formerly ruling dynastic houses (a measure of precaution against [[monarchism|monarchist]] subversion,  and primarily aimed at members of the [[Habsburg|House of Habsburg]]), anyone entitled to vote in elections to the National Council who is at least 35 years of age is eligible for the office of president. The exception of ruling or formerly ruling dynasties has been abolished meanwhile within the ''Wahlrechtsänderungsgesetz 2011'' (Amendment of the law on the right to vote 2011) due to an initiative by [[Ulrich Habsburg-Lothringen]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2011_I_43/BGBLA_2011_I_43.pdf |title=Wahlrechtsänderungsgesetz |website=ris.bka.gv.at |language=de }}</ref>

The president is elected under the [[two-round system]]. This means that if no candidate receives an absolute majority (i.e. more than 50%) of valid votes cast in the first round, then a second ballot occurs in which only those two candidates who received the greatest number of votes in the first round may stand. However, the constitution also provides that the group that nominates one of these two candidates may instead nominate an alternative candidate in the second round. If there is only one candidate standing in a presidential election then the electorate is granted the opportunity to either accept or reject the candidate in a [[referendum]].

While in office the president cannot belong to an elected body or hold any other position.

=== Oath of office ===
Article 62 of the Austrian Constitution provides that the president must take the following oath or affirmation of office in the presence of the [[Federal Assembly (Austria)|Federal Assembly]] (although the addition of a religious asseveration is admissible):<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel62|website=jusline.at|title=Art. 62 B-VG|lang=de|access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=62&Paragraf=&Anlage=&Uebergangsrecht=|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 62, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=28 September 2020}}</ref>

{{cquote|I solemnly swear that I will faithfully observe the Constitution and all the laws of the Republic and fulfill my duty to the best of my knowledge and conscience.}}

===Latest elections===
{{main|2022 Austrian presidential election}}

== Powers and duties ==
The presidency as well as its powers and duties are established by the [[Federal Constitutional Law (Austrian act)|Federal Constitutional Law]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Gesamte Rechtsvorschrift für Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz|lang=de|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundespraesident.at/aktuelles/detail/aufgaben-und-rechte|website=bundespraesident.at|title=Der Bundespräsident, seine Aufgaben und Rechte|lang=de|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref> while additional powers may be rooted in [[statutory law]], convention or precedent.

Every act of the president requires a request or/and a countersignature to become effective, unless the Constitution expressly says otherwise. While requests are made on a discretionary basis, countersignatures exist to confirm that the act has in fact been signed by the president and meets all constitutional prerequisites. The countersigning authority is also responsible for implementing the act.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center; width: 70%;"
|-
! rowspan=1 | Act
! rowspan=1 | Requires a request 
! rowspan=1 | Requires countersignature
|-

! colspan=3 | Executive 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Appointing a chancellor
| No
| Chancellor
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Removing the chancellor
| No
| No
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Appointing a Cabinet
| Chancellor 
| Chancellor
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Dismissing the Cabinet 
| No
| No
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Appointing a minister or secretary of state
| Chancellor
| Chancellor
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Removing a minister or secretary of state
| Chancellor (unless when enforcing a verdict of the Constitutional Court)
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Appointing federal officers 
| Competent Minister 
| Competent Minister 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Issuing directives as commander-in-chief 
| Indistinct 
| Indistinct
|-

! colspan=3 | Legislative 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Issuing emergency decrees 
| Cabinet 
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Dissolving the National Council
| Cabinet
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Dissolving a State Legislature 
| Cabinet 
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Signing bills into law
| Chancellor 
| Chancellor
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Calling  a constituent session of the National Council 
| Cabinet 
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Calling  a session of the National Council 
| Cabinet 
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Calling  an extraordinary session of the National Council (discretionary)
| No
| No
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Calling  an extraordinary  session of the National Council (compulsory)
| Cabinet, National Council or Federal Council 
| No
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Adjourning sessions of the National Council 
| National Council 
| No
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Ordering the administration of a plebiscite 
| Cabinet 
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Calling  a session of the Federal Assembly 
| Cabinet 
| Chancellor 
|-

! colspan=3 | Judicial 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Appointing justices of the Supreme Court of Justice and the Supreme Administrative Court 
| Cabinet 
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Appointing justices of the Constitutional Court 
| Cabinet, National Council and Federal Council 
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Enforcing verdicts of the Constitutional Court (federal level)
| Constitutional Court
| No
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Enforcing verdicts of the Constitutional Court (state level)
| Constitutional Court
| Constitutional Court 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Presidential Clemency 
| Minister of Justice 
| Minister of Justice 
|-

! colspan=3 | Diplomatic 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Signing treaties
| Cabinet
| Chancellor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Empowering State Cabinets to make treaties with other countries 
| State Cabinet 
| Governor 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Receiving foreign emissaries
| Minister of Foreign Affairs 
| Minister of Foreign Affairs 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Approving the appointment of consuls
| Minister of Foreign Affairs
| Minister of Foreign Affairs 
|-

| style="text-align:left;" | Appointing consular representatives
| Minister of Foreign Affairs
| Minister of Foreign Affairs 
|-

|}

=== Executive ===
==== Appointment of the Cabinet ====
[[File:Oesterreichische Bundesregierung - Kabinett Kreisky I.jpg|thumb|270px|Cabinet Kreisky I, with Chancellor [[Bruno Kreisky]] seated at the center of the futon and President [[Rudolf Kirchschläger]] standing behind him (center-right)]]
The president appoints the [[chancellor of Austria|chancellor]], the [[Vice-Chancellor of Austria|vice chancellor]], and the [[Minister (Austria)|minister]]s, which collectively form the [[Cabinet of Austria]].<ref name="jusline.at-1">{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel70|title=Art. 70 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="www.ris.bka.gv.at">{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=70|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 70, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=28 September 2020}}</ref>

A new [[National Council (Austria)|National Council]], the dominant lower chamber of [[Parliament of Austria|Parliament]], is elected at least every five years by [[universal suffrage]]. Following such an election, the president, according to political convention, charges the chancellor candidate{{efn|Which is commonly [[party leader]].}} of the [[List of political parties in Austria|party]] that won the most seats with the formation of a new Cabinet. Theoretically, the president could appoint any adult citizen eligible to be elected to the National Council as chancellor. However, the National Council can adopt a [[motion of no confidence]] against the chancellor, a minister, or the entire Cabinet at any time, and the President is constitutionally required to dismiss any minister whom the National Council wants gone. In practice, this means the chancellor must be acceptable to the National Council and maintain its confidence.

If no party wins an absolute majority (the common electoral outcome since 1983), the leader of the largest party will search for a junior coalition partner to create a politically stable Cabinet that commands the support of the National Council. This process will kick off with a series of rather brief "exploratory discussions" (''Sondierungsgespräche'') with all parties, which usually lasts several weeks. During this time, the chancellor candidate will commonly seek out the party most willing to compromise. Once a potential partner is found, the winning party will subsequently enter more serious and comprehensive "coalition negotiations" (''Koalitionsverhandlungen''), a process usually lasting several months. The objective of the coalition negotiations is to produce a cabinet agenda (''Regierungsprogramm''), a coalition contract (''Koalitionsvertrag'') and a ministers' list (''Ministerliste''), which determines the Cabinet's composition. The leader of the junior partner usually receives the vice chancellorship and an additional ministry.

Following the end of the negotiations, the leader of the winning party submits the ministers' list to the president, who can either accept or reject it. If the president accepts, the new Cabinet will be appointed and officially sworn in at an inauguration ceremony. If the president rejects the list, there are several options; the president asks the chancellor candidate to rewrite the list or omit certain nominees, charges someone else with the formation of a cabinet or calls new elections.

There have only been three instances where a president refused to appoint a Cabinet nominee; [[Karl Renner]] denied to re-appoint a minister suspected of corruption, [[Theodor Körner (president)|Theodor Körner]] dismissed the demand of Chancellor [[Leopold Figl]] to appoint a Cabinet that would have included the far-right [[Federation of Independents]], and [[Thomas Klestil]] declined to appoint a nominee that has been indicted and a nominee who had made frequent extremist and xenophobic remarks.

==== Removal of the Cabinet ====
The president can remove the chancellor or the entire Cabinet such at will. However, individual Cabinet members can only be dismissed by the president on the request of the chancellor.<ref name="jusline.at-1" /><ref name="www.ris.bka.gv.at" /> So far, the dismissal of an entire Cabinet against its will has never occurred. President [[Wilhelm Miklas]] did not make use of this power when Chancellor [[Engelbert Dollfuß]] absolished the [[Constitution of Austria|Constitution]] to establish the dictatorial [[Federal State of Austria]].

The removal of a minister against their will occurred only once, when Chancellor [[Sebastian Kurz]] asked President [[Alexander Van der Bellen]] to remove [[Minister of the Interior (Austria)|Interior Minister]] [[Herbert Kickl]]. Ensuing the [[Ibiza affair]] and a likely collapse of the Cabinet, Kickl moved to appoint [[Peter Goldgruber]] – with whom he had close ties – to the office of [[Director General for the Public Security|director general for Public Security]], which would have granted him direct control over Austrian law enforcement.{{efn|Which is generally of professional and permanent nature}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oe24.at/oesterreich/politik/Kurz-Kickl-kann-nicht-gegen-sich-selbst-ermitteln/380781500 |date=19 May 2019 |title=Kurz: 'Kickl kann nicht gegen sich selbst ermitteln' |trans-title=Kurz: 'Kickl can not investigate himself' |language=de |publisher=[[Österreich (newspaper)|oe24]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525111915/https://www.oe24.at/oesterreich/politik/Kurz-Kickl-kann-nicht-gegen-sich-selbst-ermitteln/380781500 |archive-date=25 May 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=25 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://orf.at/live/5070-Kurz-will-FPOe-Minister-durch-Experten-ersetzen/|website=orf.at|title=Kurz will FPÖ-Minister durch Experten ersetzen|date=20 May 2019|language=de|access-date=20 May 2019}}</ref> President Alexander Van der Bellen refused to assent Goldgruber's appointment – following a convention to avoid high-level appointments during transition periods – thus preventing him from taking office.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Van der Bellen verweigert Goldgruber-Ernennung|url=https://www.sn.at/politik/innenpolitik/van-der-bellen-verweigert-goldgruber-ernennung-70529734|access-date=16 April 2021|website=sn.at|date=20 May 2019|language=de}}</ref>

The president is the only person legally able to remove any Cabinet member (including the chancellor) from office. Even if a Cabinet member resigns or is ousted by a no confidence vote, the president must remove them.

==== Appointment of other officers ====
From a legal perspective, the president appoints all federal officers and not just the members of Cabinet. This includes all [[military officers]] and [[soldier]]s, all [[judge]]s as well as all ordinary functionaries.<ref name="jusline.at" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=65|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 65, Fassung vom 28.09.2020
|lang=de|access-date=28 September 2020}}</ref> However, this constitutional power has been statutorily or conventionally delegated to the ministers and their subordinates. Though the president retains the right to personally appoint the top brass of the federal apparatus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel66|title=Art. 66 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=25 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=66|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 66, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref>

Because the [[Landeshauptmann|governors]] of the [[States of Austria|states]] do not only serve as the chief executives of their respective state government but also as the representatives of the national Cabinet within that state, the president swears in all governors, following their election by the [[Landtag|State Legislature]].

=== Legislative ===
==== Signing bills into law ====
{{multiple image
| perrow            = 2
| total_width       = 300
| align             = left
| image1            = Thomas Klestil Signature.svg
| alt1              = 
| image2            = Unterschrift Alexander Van der Bellen (2017).png
| alt2              = 
| image3            = Kurt Waldheim Signature.svg
| alt3              = 
| image4            = Rudolf Kirchschläger Signatur 1976.jpg
| alt4              = 
| footer            = The signatures of four presidents
}}
The president signs all bills into law.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel47|website=jusline.at|title=Art. 47 B-VG|lang=de|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=47|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 47, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> Signing bills into law is a duty and not a discretionary power of the president; it is not comparable with the presidential veto in the [[United States]]. When signing bills into law, it is the task of the president to check if a piece of legislation was enacted according to constitutional prerequisites. If that is not the case, the president must withhold their signature, which strikes down the bill. All federal bills, statutory and constitutional, must be signed by the president to become effective.

The president generally does not verify if an enacted [[statute]] complies with constitutional law; that falls within the purview of the [[Constitutional Court (Austria)|Constitutional Court]]. Opinions regarding the extent of this responsibility have varied, with some arguing that the president may deny their signature if a statute is undoubtedly unconstitutional. President [[Heinz Fischer]] refused to sign a bill – containing criminal provisions with retrospective effect – into law; this remains the only time a president withheld their signature. 

Once a bill is introduced in [[Parliament of Austria|Parliament]], it must pass the [[National Council (Austria)|National Council]] and be approved by the [[Federal Council (Austria)|Federal Council]] to become enacted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/leben_in_oesterreich/demokratie/3/Seite.2230005.html|website=oesterreich.gv.at|title=Der Weg der Bundesgesetzgebung|lang=de|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> Following its enactment, the bill is given to the chancellor, who submits it to the president. After the president signs the bill into law,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-04-19&Artikel=47&Paragraf=&Anlage=&Uebergangsrecht=|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Artikel 47 B-VG|lang=de|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> the chancellor countersigns and then promulgates the bill in the [[Bundesgesetzblatt (Austria)|federal law gazette]], rendering it effective.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel49|website=jusline.at|title=Art. 49 B-VG|lang=de|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-04-19&Artikel=49&Paragraf=&Anlage=&Uebergangsrecht=|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Artikel 49 B-VG|lang=de|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref>

==== Dissolution of the National Council ====
[[File:MGR3970 (52781237374).jpg|thumb|The renovated chamber of the [[National Council (Austria)|National Council]].]]
The president may dissolve the [[National Council (Austria)|National Council]] at the request of Cabinet, but only once for the same reason.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel29|title=Art. 29 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=29|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 29, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref> The consequences of a presidential dissolution of the National Council differ from those of a "self-dissolution". If the president terminates the legislative period, the National Council is considered immediately dissolved and thereby incapacitated. However, the Standing Subcommittee of the National Council's Principal Committee remains as an emergency body until the newly-elected National Council convenes. In the case of self-dissolution, the old National Council keeps meeting until a new one is elected.

So far, only President [[Wilhelm Miklas]] has made use of this power, after the [[Christian Social Party (Austria)|Christian Social Party]] had lost its coalition partner and thus the support of Parliament.

==== Dissolution of State Legislatures ====
The president can dissolve every [[Landtag|State Legislature]] at the request of Cabinet and with the consent of the [[Federal Council (Austria)|Federal Council]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel100|title=Art. 100 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=24 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=100&Paragraf=&Anlage=&Uebergangsrecht=|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 100, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref> However, the president may only do so once for the same reason. The Federal Council must agree to the dissolution with a two-thirds supermajority. The delegation of the state whose legislature is to be dissolved, may not partake in the vote.

The dissolution of a State Legislature is viewed as an encroachment on [[federalism]], as national authorities breach the autonomy and self-governance of the states. To date, this power has never been used.

==== Emergency decrees ====
The president is authorized to rule by emergency decree in times of crisis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel18|title=Art. 18 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=18|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 18, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> The Constitution states as follow:

{{cquote|To ward off irreparable damages to the general public, at a time where the National Council is not in session and cannot be convened in time, at the request of the Cabinet, and with the assent of the Standing Subcommittee of the Principal Committee of the National Council, the president is empowered to adopt provisional regulations that have the force of law.}}

Emergency decrees cannot alter the Constitution or essential laws. As soon as the National Council is in session again, it must approve or invalidate active  emergency decrees. The power to rule by decree has never been used.

====Other legislative powers====
The president may call and adjourn sessions of the National Council. If requested by the Cabinet or one-third of the members of the National Council or the Federal Council, the president must call a session of the National Council. The president can also call a session of the Federal Assembly. Lastly, the president can instruct the administration of a binding (''Volksabstimmung'') or non-binding (''Volksbefragung'') [[plebiscite]].

=== Judicial ===
==== Enforcement of Constitutional Court findings ====
The president is entrusted with the enforcement of findings (decisions) of the [[Constitutional Court (Austria)|Constitutional Court]], if said enforcement does not fall within the purview of [[Judiciary of Austria#General courts|ordinary courts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel146|title=Art. 146 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=146|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 146, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> The request for presidential enforcement is filed by the Court itself. 

The Constitution provides the president with extensive powers when it comes to enforcing findings. As part of enforcements, the president may issue operational directives to any federal or state authorities.

==== Appointment of justices ====
[[File:Justizpalast (Tudoi61) 3.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Palace of Justice, Vienna|Palace of Justice]], seat of the [[Supreme Court of Justice (Austria)|Supreme Court of Justice]].]]
The president appoints the [[List of presidents of the Constitutional Court (Austria)|president]], the [[List of vice presidents of the Constitutional Court (Austria)|vice president]], the six further justices, and the three substitute justices of the Constitutional Court on the recommendation of Cabinet; additionally, the president appoints three justices and two substitute justices on the recommendation of the National Council and three justices and one substitute justice on the recommendation of the Federal Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel147|title=Art. 147 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=25 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=147|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 147, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> 

The president also appoints all justices of the [[Supreme Court of Justice (Austria)|Supreme Court of Justice]] and the [[Supreme Administrative Court (Austria)|Supreme Administrative Court]] on the recommendation of the Cabinet. Thought the Cabinet may only chose from a pool of justices nominated by the Courts themselves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vwgh.gv.at/gerichtshof/richterinnen_und_richter/index.html|website=vwgh.gv.at|title=Österreichischer Verwaltungsgerichtshof - Richer und Richterinnen|lang=de|access-date=16 March 2020}}</ref>

====Presidential Clemency====

The president has the power of clemency, which includes [[pardon]]s, sentence changes and [[commutation (law)|commutation]]s. According to the Constitutional Court, presidential pardons do not only void the sentence but also undo the conviction itself. The president also has the power to delete criminal record entries or limit who can access the criminal record of a person.

Convicts desiring clemency must file a request with the [[Ministry of Justice (Austria)|Ministry of Justice]]. The minister then personally approves or denies the request. If the request is approved, it is submitted to the president. The president usually accepts the minister's decision. Though the president can always deny clemency, the president cannot grant clemency without a request from the minister of justice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/alex?aid=vfb&datum=0003&page=71&size=45|title=Sammlung der Erkenntnisse des Verfassungsgerichthofes|website=alex.onb.ac.at|language=de|access-date=25 November 2018}}</ref>

=== Diplomatic ===
The president is the chief diplomat of Austria and may negotiate and sign [[Treaty|treaties]] with other countries, receive foreign emissaries, approve the appointment of [[Consul (representative)|consuls]] and personally appoint consular representatives. Treaties that change or supplement existing law must be approved by the National Council.<ref name="jusline.at">{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel65|title=Art. 65 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=25 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="ris.bka.gv.at">{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=65|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 65, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

[[1995 enlargement of the European Union|When Austria joined the European Union]], President [[Thomas Klestil]] and Chancellor [[Franz Vranitzky]] had a disagreement on who would represent Austria in the [[European Council]]. Ultimately, the chancellor prevailed, though Klestil argued that he had only delegated his power of representation to the chancellor.

=== Military ===

The president is the [[commander-in-chief]] (''Oberbefehlshaber'') of the [[Austrian Armed Forces]]. This is perhaps the single most vague of any presidential powers; the extent of the president's authority as commander-in-chief is largely subject to interpretation.

Although the president outranks the minister of defence and all [[military personnel]] in their capacity as commander-in-chief, presidential military authority is not expressly excluded from requiring countersignature or requests by the Constitution, meaning that this power can only be used in cooperation with the Cabinet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundespraesident.at/aktuelles/detail/news/aufgaben-und-rechte/|title=Der Bundespräsident, seine Aufgaben und Rechte|website=bundespraesident.at|language=de|access-date=11 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112021428/https://www.bundespraesident.at/aktuelles/detail/news/aufgaben-und-rechte/|archive-date=12 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel80|title=Art. 80 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=11 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=80|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 80, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.addendum.org/bundesheer/ein-heer-von-befehlshabern/ |title=Ein Heer von Befehlshabern |website=addendum.org |date=30 October 2017 |language=de |access-date=11 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://derstandard.at/2000035263537/Oesterreichs-oberster-Kriegsherr |title=Österreichs oberster Kriegsherr |website=derstandard.at |language=de |access-date=11 November 2018}}</ref>

Since no president has ever made use of this power, precedents were never established. Day-to-day military operations are administered by the [[Minister of Defense (Austria)|minister of defense]], who is referred to as commander (''Befehlshaber'') of the Armed Forces by the Constitution.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bundesheer.at/english/forces/tasks.shtml |title=Tasks of the Austrian Armed Forces |website=bundesheer.at |language=en |access-date=11 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=20001612|title=Wehrgesetz 2001 - WG 2001|website=ris.bka.gv.at|language=de|access-date=26 May 2018}}</ref> Defense policy and key decisions on the use of the military are usually made by the Cabinet as a whole.

Following the collapse of the [[Habsburg monarchy]], the [[Emperor of Austria]], in his capacity as [[Supreme Commander of the Imperial and Royal Armed Forces|head]] of the [[Austro-Hungarian Armed Forces|Austro-Hungarian military]], was succeded by the Principal Committee of the newly established [[National Council (Austria)|National Council]], which began serving as the main decision-making body of the Armed Forces. In 1929, the [[Christian Social Party (Austria)|Christian Social Party]] transferred supreme military authority from the Principal Committee to the president.

The president also grants [[Commission (document)|commissions]] to officers but not in their capacity as commander-in-chief.

=== Ceremonial ===
[[File:Schwarzach-Helmut Leite-02ASD.jpg|thumb|The [[Golden Badge of Merit]], one of the Decorations of Honour. ]]
The president has various additional powers and duties, which are typically vested in a [[head of state]]. These include, for example, the creation and conferment of honorary and professional titles, and the purely symbolic right to [[Legitimacy (family law)|legitimise]] illegitimate children at the request of their parents.<ref name="jusline.at" /><ref name="ris.bka.gv.at" /> 

The president also confers the [[Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria|Decorations of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria]], the most prestigious state decoration Austria has to offer. It is conferred for extraordinary achievements, especially in the areas of politics, science and culture, at the request of the Cabinet. The decorations consist of 15 classes, starting with the Bronze Medal and ending with the Grand Cross. The president automatically receives the Grand Cross upon assuming office.

Another power is the bestowal of the ''[[Sub auspiciis Praesidentis|Promotio sub auspiciis Praesidentis rei publicae]]'', a golden ring serving as the highest possible distinction and decoration for [[Doctoral degree|doctoral]] students.

== Incumbency ==
=== Immunity ===
The president generally enjoys immunity from any type of [[Criminal procedure|criminal procedures]]. The president may only be prosecuted with the explicit consent of the [[Federal Assembly (Austria)|Federal Assembly]]. If a government authority intends to prosecute the president, it must file a request for prosecution with the [[National Council (Austria)|National Council]]. If the National Council deems the request legitimate, the Federal Assembly is convened. 

The Constitution does not establish that a criminal conviction of the president by ordinary courts, automatically leads to a removal from office. However, a prison sentence would most certainly incapacitate the president, which would lead to a loss of all presidential authority.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel63|title=Art. 63 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=18 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=63|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 63, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

=== Accountability ===
==== Political ====
[[File:Austrian Parliment Fed Assembly.jpg|left|thumb|The Federal Assembly chamber in the [[Austrian Parliament Building]].]]
The "ordinary" way of removing a sitting president from office would be through a plebiscite. Since the president is elected by the people, the president can also be removed by the people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel60|title=Art. 60 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=18 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=60|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 60, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

This process starts with a resolution of the National Council calling for a convocation of the Federal Assembly to consider the removal of the president. Such a resolution requires a supermajority (two-thirds support) and the attendance of at least half of all members of the National Council. If such a resolution is enacted, the president is automatically incapacitated and hence unable to "further exercise the powers and duties of the presidency". Once the Federal Assembly is convened, it decides if a plebiscite should be administered or not.

If the plebiscite favors a removal from office, the president is removed from office. If the plebiscite opposes a removal, a new legislative election is triggered and the National Council is automatically dissolved.

==== Legal ====
The president can be [[Impeachment|impeached]] before the [[Constitutional Court (Austria)|Constitutional Court]] by the Federal Assembly for violating [[Constitution of Austria|constitutional law]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel142|title=Art. 142 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=18 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=142|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 142, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> 

This process is triggered by either a resolution of the National Council or the Federal Council. If the resolution is successful, the Federal Assembly must convene. The Federal Assembly then contemplates impeaching the president. A supermajority and the attendance of at least half of all members of the National Council and the Federal Council is required to trigger the impeachment process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel68|title=Art. 68 B-VG|website=jusline.at|language=de|access-date=18 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=68|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 68, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

If the Federal Assembly votes to impeach, it acts as plaintiff before the Constitutional Court. If the Court convicts the president for having violated the Constitution, the president is removed from office. If the president is found guilty of having committed only a minor offense, the president remains in office and is merely reprimanded.

=== Succession ===
{{Presidential orders of succession}}
The Constitution makes no provisions for an office of [[vice president]]. Should the president become temporarily incapacitated – undergoes surgery, becomes severely ill or visits a foreign country (excluding [[EU member states]]) – presidential powers and duties devolve upon the [[Chancellor of Austria|chancellor]] for a period of twenty days, although the chancellor does not receive a title like "[[acting president]]" during that time.

The powers and duties of the presidency devolve upon the [[President of the National Council (Austria)|Presidium of the National Council]] in the following three cases:
* The aforementioned period of twenty days expires, in which case the Presidium assumes presidential authority on the twenty-first day;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel64|title=Art. 60 B-VG|website=jusline.at|access-date=18 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10000138&FassungVom=2020-09-28&Artikel=60|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 60, Fassung vom 28.09.2020|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> 
* The office is vacated because the president dies in office, resigns or is removed from office, in which case the Presidium assumes presidential authority immediately;
* The president is unable to "further exercise the powers and duties of the presidency" because the National Council has convened the Federal Assembly to consider removing the president from office via plebiscite, in which case the Presidium also immediately assumes presidential authority.

When exercising the powers and duties of the presidency, the three presidents of the National Council – forming the Presidium – act collectively as one body. If votes are divided equally, the higher-ranking president has the power to break ties.

=== Compensation ===
The president is compensated for their public service with €349,398 annually, the [[chancellor of Austria|chancellor]] in turn is compensated with €311,962 annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bruttonetto-rechner.at/gehalt-bundeskanzler-oesterreich/|website=bruttonetto-rechner.at|title=Politikergehälter: Was der österreichische Bundeskanzler verdient!|lang=de|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref> This amount is particularly high when considering that the [[chancellor of Germany]] (€251,448),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://orange.handelsblatt.com/artikel/18216|website=orange.handelsblatt.com|title=Wie hoch ist das Gehalt von Angela Merkel?|lang=de|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref> the [[president of France]] (€179,000),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.journaldunet.com/patrimoine/finances-personnelles/1059791-le-salaire-des-politiques-et-des-elus/|website=journaldunet.com|title=Le salaire des politiques et des élus|lang=fr|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref> the [[prime minister of the United Kingdom]] (€169,284),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629500/Salaries_of_Members_of_Her_Majesty_s_Government_from_1st_April_2017.pdf|website=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk|title=Salaries of Members of Her Majesty's Government from 9th June 2017|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref> the [[president of Russia]] (€125,973) and the [[president of China]] (€19,275) receive a significantly lower salary, though they are chief executives of substantially larger countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bruttonetto-rechner.at/gehalt-bundespraesident-oesterreich/|website=bruttonetto-rechner.at|title=Politikergehälter: Was der österreichische Bundespräsident verdient!|lang=de|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebalance.com/presidents-salary-4579867|website=thebalance.com|title=Presidents' Salaries During and After Office|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref>

=== Workplace ===
{{multiple image
| perrow            = 2
| total_width       = 300
| image3            = Wien - Hofburg, Leopoldinischer Trakt.JPG
| alt3              = Facade of the Leopoldine Wing
| image2            = Leopoldinischer Trakt Vienna Oct. 2006 016.jpg
| alt2              = Central hallway of the Leopoldine Wing
| image1            = Spiegelsaal2.JPG
| alt1              = Mirror room of the Leopoldine Win
| footer            = The mirror room (left), the central hallway (right), and the facade (below) of the Leopoldine Wing.
}}

The principal residence and workplace of the president is situated in the [[Leopoldine Wing]] in the [[Hofburg Imperial Palace]], which is located in the [[Innere Stadt]] of [[Vienna]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundespraesident.at/aktuelles/detail/raeume-die-geschichte-schreiben|website=bundespraesident.at|title=Räume, die Geschichte(n) schreiben|lang=de|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref> The Leopoldine Wing is sometimes ambiguously referred to as the "[[Presidential Chancellery]]", the Office of the President. In reality however, the president does not actually reside in the Hofburg but retains their personal home.

As its name already divulges, the Hofburg is an edifice stemming from the imperial era; it was built under [[Holy Roman Emperor]] [[Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor|Leopold I]] in the 13th century. Ensuing the fall of the monarchy and the formation of the republic, democratic institutions intentionally kept their space from monarchic establishments. Hence, the original workplace of the president was actually the [[Chancellery (Austria)|chancellery building]]. Following severe allied bombardments during [[World War II]], the chancellery building sustained heavy damage and consequently became uninhabitable. Thus, the president had to find a new workplace. The first president of the Second Republic, [[Karl Renner]], deliberately chose the Leopoldine Wing, as its creation and history (in particular the interior design) was largely influenced by Holy Roman Empress [[Maria Theresia]], who had a popular public image at the time. The chancellery building was later rebuilt, renovated and renamed and now serves as the workplace of the [[Chancellor of Austria|chancellor]].

Nowadays, the Leopoldine Wing harbours the offices of the Presidential Chancellery on its second and third floor. Next to the Hofburg, the president maintains a summer residence in [[Styria]] known as [[Mürzsteg Hunting Lodge]]. Although former President [[Heinz Fischer]] pledged to sell the building while campaigning for the presidency,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.diepresse.com/4886161/zwischen-amtsvilla-und-dienstwohnung|website=diepresse.com|title=Zwischen Amtsvilla und Dienstwohnung|date=12 December 2015|lang=de|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref> the lodge has been used by him and his successor to host guests and foreign dignitaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sn.at/politik/innenpolitik/van-der-bellen-traf-landeshauptleute-in-muerzsteg-104023396|website=sn.at|title=Van der Bellen traf Landeshauptleute in Mürzsteg|date=19 May 2021|lang=de|access-date=4 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nachrichten.at/nachrichten/ticker/ban-ki-moon-zu-besuch-bei-bundespraesident-fischer;art449,250683|website=nachrichten.at|title=Ban Ki Moon zu Besuch bei Bundespräsident Fischer|date=29 August 2009|lang=de|access-date=4 April 2022}}</ref>

=== Protection ===
The sitting president is legally protected by multiple  criminal law provisions. The most notable one is § 249 of the Criminal Code:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/stgb/paragraf/249|website=jusline.at|title=§ 249 StGB Gewalt und gefährliche Drohung gegen den Bundespräsidenten|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10002296&FassungVom=2017-09-04&Artikel=&Paragraf=249|website=ris.bka.gv.at|title=Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Strafgesetzbuch § 249, Fassung vom 04.09.2017|lang=de|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

{{quote|Anyone who attempts to depose the president by force or extortion or use one of these means to coerce or prevent the exercise of presidential authority, shall be imprisoned for up to ten years.}}

The presidential title "Bundespräsident" is constitutionally protected and cannot be used by anyone else, even if combined with other words.

== Office of the President ==
The [[Presidential Chancellery|Office of the President]] (''Präsidentschaftskanzlei'')<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen: Bundespräsident |url=https://www.bundespraesident.at/en/index |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=www.bundespraesident.at}}</ref> is an executive agency serving under the direct authority of the president.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jusline.at/gesetz/b-vg/paragraf/artikel67a|website=jusline.at|title=Art. 67a B-VG|lang=de|access-date=2 April 2020}}</ref> It advises the president on the exercise of presidential powers and duties, enables communication between the president and politicians, diplomats and citizens, and manages all other day-to-day administrative operations associated with the presidency.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Präsidentschaftskanzlei |url=https://www.ots.at/pressemappe/176/praesidentschaftskanzlei |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=OTS.at |language=de}}</ref> The agency is made up of various clerks, political advisers, legal counsellors, spokespeople as well as the presidential [[adjutant]], an army officer formally charged with the protection of the president.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adjutant: Drei Militärs stehen für Van der Bellen bereit |url=https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000051184683/adjudant-drei-militaers-stehen-fuer-van-der-bellen-bereit |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=DER STANDARD |language=de-AT}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Das Team der Präsidentschaftskanzlei |url=https://www.bundespraesident.at/praesidentschaftskanzlei/team-1 |access-date=2 April 2020 |website=bundespraesident.at |lang=de}}</ref> The Office of the President is seated in the [[Hofburg#Leopoldine Wing|Leopoldine Wing]] of the [[Hofburg Imperial Palace]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Präsidentschaftskanzlei |url=https://www.geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at/Pr%C3%A4sidentschaftskanzlei |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=www.geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at |language=de-formal}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{portal|Austria}}
* [[History of Austria]]
* [[Politics of Austria]]
* [[Chancellor of Austria]]
* [[List of chancellors of Austria]]
* [[Vice-Chancellor of Austria]]
* [[Emperor of Austria]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://www.bundespraesident.at/ Official website of the Presidential Chancellery]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131024042521/http://www.archontology.org/nations/austria/au_rep1/ Austria: Heads of State: 1918–1938]

{{Presidents of Austria}}
{{Heads of state of the European Union member states}}
{{Heads of state and government of Europe}}

[[Category:Government of Austria]]
[[Category:Presidents of Austria| ]]
[[Category:Presidents by country|Austria]]
[[Category:1920 establishments in Austria]]