President of Austria

The Austrian Federal President (German: Österreichischer Bundespräsident) is the federal head of state of Austria. Though theoretically entrusted with great power by the constitution, in practice the President acts, for the most part, merely as a ceremonial figurehead. The President of Austria is directly elected by universal adult suffrage once in every six years. His or her offices are located in the Leopoldine Wing of the Hofburg Imperial Palace, in Vienna.

Succession

The Constitution of Austria makes no provision for an office of vice president. Should the president fall ill, or for some other reason be temporarily incapacitated, presidential powers and responsibilities devolve upon the Chancellor. Should the President die, be impeached, be removed from office as a result of impeachment or recall, or for some other reason be hindered from fulfilling his or her role for a period of more than twenty days, presidential powers and responsibilities devolve upon the college of the three presidents of the National Council.

Related Topics:
Constitution of Austria - Impeached

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This procedure is tried and tested as several Presidents, most recently Thomas Klestil, have died in office. When Klestil had to be rushed to the hospital following a heart attack three days before the end of his second term, Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel assumed the role of acting president. When Klestil subsequently died, the role of acting president was inherited, jointly to be exercised, by the National Council chairs.

Related Topics:
Thomas Klestil - Heart attack - Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel

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