Becoming Austria's President: The Essential Guide

The Federal President of Austria is the country's Head of State and is elected by the Austrian people for a term of six years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. The President is sworn in before the Federal Assembly, and their powers include being the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, appointing the Federal Chancellor, and having the power to dismiss the Government, dissolve the National Council, and reject proposed ministers. The Federal President also shares responsibilities with the Federal Government, which is made up of the Federal Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, and other Federal Ministers. Extensive experience in politics, a steady positioning within the population, competence in all spheres of life, and non-partisanship are seen as essential prerequisites for a presidential candidate.

Requirements to run

To run for president in Austria, you must be a citizen who is directly elected by the Austrian people in a free and fair popular general election. The president is the only representative of the entire country who is elected directly by the population. The election takes place via secret ballot, and the candidate who garners the majority of votes wins. The president is elected for a term of six years and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.

The role of the Austrian president is to be the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. They are also responsible for offering moral support to the country and performing tasks such as integrating minorities into the political process and protecting democracy. The president has the power to dismiss the government, dissolve the National Council, and reject proposed ministers. They also appoint the Federal Chancellor and other civil servants, such as judges.

It is essential for a presidential candidate to have extensive experience in politics, a steady positioning within the population, competence in all spheres of life and the political arena. Non-partisanship is also a key prerequisite, as the president must act in the best interests of the country as a whole, rather than any particular political party.

The president's office is located in the Leopoldine Wing of the Hofburg, which has been the seat of the Federal President of the Republic of Austria since 1946.

Getting party nomination

To become the President of Austria, you must first be nominated by a political party. This is a crucial step in the process, as it is rare for an independent candidate to be elected. Here are some tips to help you secure your party's nomination:

• Join a Political Party: The first step is to become a member of a political party that aligns with your values and beliefs. In Austria, the two largest parties are likely the People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ). You can also explore smaller parties like the Freedom Party (FPÖ) or the Green Party. Choose a party whose policies and ideals match your own to increase your chances of gaining support during the nomination process.
• Build a Political Career: Extensive experience in politics is seen as an essential prerequisite for a presidential candidate in Austria. Seek opportunities to actively participate in your party's activities and build a solid political career. This could include running for local or regional offices, serving on committees, or working on political campaigns. By gaining experience and demonstrating your commitment to the party, you will increase your chances of being considered for the presidential nomination.
• Develop a Strong Reputation: To become a viable candidate for your party's nomination, you must establish a steady positioning within the population. This means building a positive and trustworthy reputation among your fellow party members and the Austrian public. Engage with the public, attend events, and utilise media platforms to showcase your competence and integrity. A strong reputation will make you a more attractive candidate for your party's nomination.
• Network Within the Party: Building relationships with influential members of your political party is crucial. Attend party conferences, social events, and meetings to meet and connect with party leaders, elected officials, and other members. By networking effectively, you can gain insight into the nomination process, learn about the party's priorities, and build support for your potential candidacy.
• Understand the Nomination Process: Each political party in Austria may have its own process for selecting a presidential nominee. Familiarise yourself with the rules and procedures specific to your party. This may include understanding the role of the party's executive committee, the voting process, and any requirements or deadlines for declaring your intention to run. Knowing the nomination process inside out will help you navigate it more successfully.
• Seek Endorsements: Endorsements from prominent party members, elected officials, or other influential figures within your party can significantly boost your chances of securing the nomination. Reach out to potential endorsers, share your vision for the presidency, and highlight your qualifications. Endorsements can provide valuable validation of your candidacy and may encourage other party members to support you.

Remember, the party nomination process is likely to be highly competitive, and you will probably be vying for the nomination alongside other qualified and ambitious individuals. Work diligently to build your profile, demonstrate your capabilities, and showcase your alignment with the party's values and goals.

Campaigning for votes

To become the President of Austria, a candidate must receive the most votes in a free and fair popular general election. All citizens who are entitled to vote can participate, and their votes are cast in secret. The President is the only representative of the entire country who is elected directly by the population. As such, a candidate must campaign effectively to win the votes of the Austrian people.

• Develop a comprehensive campaign strategy: This includes defining your message, creating a campaign slogan, and outlining your policies and plans for the presidency. A clear and consistent message that resonates with the people is essential.
• Build a strong campaign team: Surround yourself with experienced and trusted advisors who can help craft your message, develop policies, and organise your campaign events and activities. This team should include communications and strategy experts who can guide your campaign effectively.
• Engage with the media: Utilise traditional and digital media platforms to reach a wide audience. Hold press conferences, give interviews, and use social media to connect directly with voters. It is important to remain visible and accessible to the public throughout your campaign.
• Emphasise your qualifications and experience: The Austrian people expect their president to have extensive political experience and a steady positioning within the population. Highlight your political career, any previous governmental roles, and your understanding of the country's political processes. Emphasise your competence in all spheres of life, including your ability to work with other political parties and your non-partisanship.
• Focus on the President's responsibilities: When communicating with voters, emphasise how you will fulfil the responsibilities of the Federal President. Discuss how you will offer moral support to the country, integrate minorities into the political process, and protect Austria's democracy. Outline your plans for working with the Federal Government and the Federal Chancellor, as the President's powers are often dependent on their proposals.
• Connect with voters on a personal level: It is important to come across as relatable and approachable. Share your personal story, values, and any challenges you have overcome. Show that you understand the concerns of everyday Austrians and that you are committed to representing all citizens.
• Travel across Austria: Visit different regions and engage with local communities. Understand the specific issues and priorities of each area, and tailor your message to address their concerns. This shows voters that you care about the entire country and are not just focused on the major population centres.

By implementing these strategies and focusing on effective communication, relatability, and a strong campaign organisation, a candidate can run a successful campaign and increase their chances of becoming the next Federal President of Austria.

Election day procedures

On election day, Austrian citizens who are 16 years or older and are not excluded from voting by a judicial conviction are entitled to vote in the presidential election. Voters can either fill out the ballot in the municipality and cast the ballot early, or take the absentee ballot with them and cast it later by mail, or in person before or on election day.

The election date and filing date must be announced by the Federal Government, and the names of candidates must be submitted to the federal electoral authorities no later than 30 days before election day. Each nomination must be signed by at least 6,000 eligible voters, and an amount of €3,600 must be paid at the same time.

The Federal President of the Republic of Austria is elected by a secret ballot in a free and fair popular general election to a term of six years. The election takes place under a two-round system to ensure majority support for the president. In the first round of voting, if no candidate receives more than 50% of the valid votes, a second ballot occurs, including only the two candidates who received the greatest number of votes in the first round.

The Central Electoral Authority must announce the election results immediately in the Official Gazette. If the election is not contested, the Federal Chancellor must announce the results in the Federal Law Gazette, after which the incumbent Federal President or their representative must promptly convoke the Federal Assembly for the inauguration. The President-elect has the powers attributed to their position before the inauguration, and their term begins when they are inaugurated and take office. The inauguration ceremony is followed by the Federal President's inaugural address, which is a statement of how they intend to fulfil the responsibilities and perform the duties of the presidency.

Conceding or celebrating

The Federal President of Austria is elected by popular vote for a term of six years and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The election is held via secret ballot in a free and fair general election. The President is the only representative of the country who is elected directly by the population. As such, the results of the election are final and binding.

However, the process of conceding or celebrating is an important aspect of any election. For those who have campaigned to become President, the outcome will determine the course of action to be taken. If a candidate has won, they will need to prepare for the transition to office and begin the work of uniting the country under their leadership. This includes forming a government and appointing a Federal Chancellor.

On the other hand, if a candidate has lost the election, they will need to concede defeat and support a peaceful transition of power. Good sportsmanship is an important aspect of any democratic election, and candidates who can graciously accept their loss will be seen favourably by the public. This includes making a public concession speech, congratulating the winner, and calling for unity and cooperation.

In the case of a very close election, a recount may be requested by the losing candidate. This process should also be accepted as a necessary part of the democratic process, and all candidates should respect the outcome of the recount and act accordingly.

The current President of Austria, Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen, was inaugurated in 2017 and re-elected in 2022 for a second term. As the Head of State, the President has extensive powers, including being the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, appointing the Federal Chancellor, and having the power to dissolve the National Council.

Frequently asked questions