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Governmental and Political Structure of Austria

Introduction

The Republic of Australia is a landlocked nation with a population of about 8.47 million people. Its geographical location is central Europe. It borders the Germany and Czech Republic to the North, Italy and Slovenia to the South, Liechtenstein and Switzerland to the West, and Slovakia and Hungary to the east. The nation is a federal republic. In addition, the nation has alpine and temperate climate, and territory area of 83, 855 km2. Since a section of the Alp ranges cover the nation, its terrain is generally mountainous. The official language in Austria is German, although many people speak the local Bavarian language. Other official languages used in the country include Slovene, Hungarian, and Burgenland Croatian. The current Austria state originated from the Holy Roman Empire. This research is an evaluation of government and political structure of Austria.

Austrian government

Austria is a federal republic. Presently, it is a semi-presidential and parliamentary representative democracy. It has nine federal states. Vienna is the capital city of the country. It is also the biggest city in the country with a total population that is slightly above 1.7 million. The head of the government is a federal chancellor, while the head of state is a Federal President. Both federal and local governments do exercise executive power. Both the two chambers of parliament and the government, the Federal Council and the National Council can exercise federal legislative power. From 1949, Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) dominates the center-left while Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) has ruled the political landscape. The country’s judiciary system is federal in nature, but it is autonomous from the legislature and executive arms of the government (Advameg Inc 1). The nation has no state courts.

Austrian government structure

The Austrian parliamentary representative government consists of high-ranking officials from the executive faction. They include the Vice-Chancellor, Chancellor, and federal ministers of the Austrian Cabinet. These members and the President make the supreme federal authority of the government. The roots of the modern democratic system originated from implementation of the constitution in 1920 that was later reviewed in 1929 (Marcelo 8). The constitution, that has been amended numerous times thereafter, linked the transition of Austro-Hungarian Empire and a democratic federal republic where citizens influence regulations and policies passed in the country. The Austrian federal President appoints members of the federal government. However, the president should seek advice from National Council parliament because it can dismiss elected members with a vote of no confidence. The Federal Chancellor is often a leader of the most influential political party, often with a history of having contested for “chancellor candidacy” in the parliamentary elections. The Chancellor conducts nominations of ministers, but the president has to approve the proposed individuals. In case the president rejects the recommended candidates, the chancellor has to look for new individuals (Marcelo 14). On the same note, the President has the capacity to fire the entire Austrian cabinet and the Chancellor, at will, respectively. Chancellors are responsible for presiding over cabinet meetings.

Countries with similar political system to the Austria

Austria has a democratic federal political system. In this political structure, autonomous states join up to create a country. Examples of other countries that are using this political structure presently include France, Modern Russia, India, Brazil, Switzerland, South Africa, Ireland, and Pakistan. Nonetheless, the political systems of these countries may vary slightly to that of Austria. The European Union is the most suitable example. Among the features that make political structures of these countries similar to that of Austria include the fact that the majority rules. In addition, the governments have control over citizens, but administration is based on constitutional policies. In these states, they contain a couple of governments, including the central and provincial (Austrian Migration Department 2). Both the provincial and central governments are independent of each other at state level. Both of these governments are constitutionally equal; hence, each of them can create laws and pass laws. Constitutions of these countries disseminate some administrative power to the central government, and others to the provincial government. Devolution of provincial administration slightly varies from one feudal state to the other. However, central governments administer issues that are of common interest to all feudal states (Austrian Press and Information Service 2). For instance, currency and coinage, foreign affairs and defense policies are all under regulation of the central government (Austrian Migration Department 5). On the same note, these countries have supreme courts that help to interpret and solve major disputes between provincial and central governments. Similarly, constitutions of these nations exhibit supremacy since the central and provincial governments are supposed to act within limited powers provided by in the constitution. This implies that there is no single person such as the president of the chancellor with absolute political power.

Austria political culture

Unlike simple other small countries that have simple political cultures, Austria has an amazingly intricate political traditions that it has adopted over time. The complex political and identity culture of the nation influences the agenda of Austrian foreign policies and its results. The country applies the concept of neutrality in its foreign policies. In its domestic politics, the country wants to establish itself as an autonomous state (Lagro, 5). In order to achieve this goal, the country refrains from German influence on its foreign policies through refusing to become a member of the EEC. Besides, the country has developed a culture of recognizing formation approach, that has helped to create a foundation from occupation freedom (Lagro, 7). In addition, the neutral position of the country makes it a suitable mediator between the East and West. In collaboration with other neutral states, Austria has played an essential role in the EU expansion because it negotiates membership eligibility for other nations. The Kulturnation culture helps in defining the formation of the nation’s political process. It helps in depicting Australia as a small nation, but with a vast culture. During the cold war, this political culture helped the country to retain its neutrality state of an independent nation (Lagro, 9).

Major Political Parties and their philosophies

Austria is a multiparty state with more than 700 registered political parties. Nonetheless, only eight parties are widely known. The Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) is the most reputable. It advocates for adoption of social democracy in the country. The Austria’s People Party (ÖVP) is the second most popular party. Its political philosophy recommends adoption of Christianit and conservatism democracy. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) proposes the ideology of National conservatism and Right-wing populism. On the same list of well known political parties include The Greens – The Green Alternative (GRÜNE) that proposes implementation of Green politics and progressivism. The Alliance for the Future of Austria (BZÖ) ranks fifth in the hierarchy of influential political parties. Its political ideologies include conservative liberalism and Right-wing populism. Team Stronach (Stronach) that recommends implementation of Euroscepticism and Economic liberalism ideologies holds the sixth most popular position. The Citizens’ Forum Austria (FRITZ) and Hans-Peter Martin’s List (HPM) holds seventhand eight positions in popularity index in the country. The former recommends Centrism & Tyrolean regionalism, while the latter proposes populism and anti-corruption politics (Algis and Ereminaitė 4).

Key parties and leaders in power

People elected using distinct political parties hold various key administrative posts in Australia. Presently, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) is the dominant party in the administration. Its leader is Werner Faymann. The head of state (President Heinz Fischer) and the head of government (Chancellor Werner Faymann) were elected through this party. Michael Spindelegger is the leader of Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP). Some of the key leaders affiliated to this political party, include the ministers for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger, Finance (Maria Fekter) and Economy, Family and Youth (Reinhold Mitterlehner). Both the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) forms the governing Grand Coalition. Other key political party leaders include Heinz-Christian Strache (FPÖ), Eva Glawischnig (GRÜNE), Josef Bucher (BZÖ), Frank Stronach (Stronach), Fritz Dinkhauser (FRITZ), and Hans-Peter Martin (HPM) (Algis and Ereminaitė 12).

Recent Austria election

Austria conducts elections after every six-year term. The most recent elections in Austria were held on September 29, 2013. The Grand Coalition party composed of the two largest parties in the country including Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) and Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) emerged victorious in this election. The re-election of the party was fair since even preliminary results had shown that the coalitionhad chance of recapturing another seven-year term. The he conservative People’s Party (OeVP) scored 23.8% while the Social Democrats (SPOe) acquired 27.1% (Parekh 7). In case these parties renewed their coalition, they had adequate members to help them gain majority advantage. Although Austria has a history of political stability and election fairness, the major political parties in the previous election had challenging time recapturing their positions because their leaders were involved in major scandals that were well known to the public. These corruption scandals instigated election inertia since many citizens were not willing to support reelection of these leaders because of their dishonesty (Parekh 9). Throughout the campaign period, court cases for high ranking and powerful party leaders had pending cases in courts. On the same note, the government had failed to pass several critical bills, thereby resulting in inertia in some policy sections such as the health system, pensions, and higher education among others. Since both ÖVP and SPÖ had neither local nor regional elections from 2010 to 2013, they had suitable time time to create these regulations in order to gain confidence of voters. However, they failed to utilize this opportunity; thereby, they lost 10% of their voters (Parekh 12).

Another key challenge in the previous elections was entrance of a new competitor, Team Stronach. Frank Stronach, the Austrian-Canadian billionaire, established this party. When Stronach announced that he would contest, the FPÖ’s electoral predictions dropped by 10%. In addition, the party dropped its ambition of nominating a Chancellor.

Historical political challenges in Austria

Austria has experienced various political challenges that have affected its rate of development. Among these issues, include a tendency toward electoral dealignment. The votes are often influenced by loyalty of some people. For many years, people’s voting loyalty is often aligned towards certain political parties. This implies that many people vote in political parties because of their loyalty instead of the political ideologies that the leaders are introducing (Algis and Ereminaitė 6). Some of the weaker parties are led by influential people with big visions for the country, but loyalty of voters prevents them from rising to the top of transforming the nation.

On the same note, the government is reluctant towards changing contentious political policies that can harm the capability of the country’s trade. Austria depends heavily on import-export business that can be negatively affected in case tax rules and other policies governing trade in the nation are twisted (Austrian Migration Department 11). Failure of modifying these policies provides loopholes to unscrupulous traders to escape paying the appropriate tax dues to the government.

Corruption cases in Austria by the high-ranking political officials are common since the establishment of the nation. For instance, recent corruption scandals involving key political figures in the present administration is one of the scandals that have made the nation to lose significant revenue in individual people’s pocket. Unfortunately, loyalists to these political parties vote them back to the leadership in spite of evident corruption cases. Similarly, politicians user their influence to manipulate cases linking them to corruption case, thereby they evade justice (Austrian Migration Department 21).

Current political issues

Subcultures: Just like in the past, Austria faces subculture problem. These subcultures offer different political parties a platform for pursuing their own interest. In normal cases, voting should be based on ideologies of the political leaders. Nonetheless, many people vote on political parties depending on their loyalty. This explains the reason why only two major political parties have dominated the Austrian government since post- Second World War. There are other strong political parties led by visionary people who can help to transform the country’s leadership, economy, and development rate. Unfortunately, these parties lack the desired support to help them rise to the top (Marcelo 4).

Corruption is still a major issue in Austria. The country has deficiency of transparent leaders. In addition, these leaders are reluctant to pass strict policies that can control economy fraud. This is because the rich and powerful people are in charge of leadership; hence, they cannot create policies that will affect them negatively (Marcelo 7).

Finally, the neutral policy of the country prevents it from taking advantage of crucial deals such as tax adjustment. The country’s economy mainly depends on trade, which could be affected negatively by unfavorable trade policies. A review of trade policies is required in order to provide local traders with an attractive market with fair competition from foreign traders (Marcelo 9).

Significant Austria public policies

Among the key public policies that have significant impact on the development of Austria include multiculturalism. The different tribes in the country have resulted in the creation of distinct social groups that have a negative social impact on the government. However, the government addresses multiculturalism through ensuring the country is used German as its official language. This helps in ensuring that everyone in the country can associate with people from other cultural backgrounds.

In addition, Austria is among the few countries with policies that are friendly to multiculturalism. Citizens have natural hospitality; hence, it attracts several foreign traders to invest in the country. These policies, coupled with long term political stability has enabled the country’s economy to develop at a significant rate. In 2013, the nation was ranked at position 21 among the richest countries in the world, thanks to hospitable and well-educated population (Parekh 5). Foreign investors venturing into the country to take advantage of abundant skilled labor.

What does this country do well?

Austria does best in maintaining peace and stability in the European region. Its political neutrality places it at a good vantage to act as an intermediary between the West and East. Since the formation of the EU, the country has played an essential role in recruiting new members (Lagro, 6).

In addition, the country has managed to main its autonomy. Although Austria is a small country, it has strong policies that are not influenced by influential neighboring countries such as Germany and France. The nation has achieved this goal through rejecting EEC membership and refraining from adopting policies used in Germany. Since the country was originally part of the German territory, one would expect its policies to be significantly influenced by the country. However, since it acquired autonomy in 1920s, the country passed a constitution that guides its development policies independently (Lagro, 13).

How could this country improve?

Austria can improve through creating policies that will discourage socialism. This has been a major problem to the economic development of the country because people vote for parties depending on their sense of affiliation, instead of the ideologies presented by leaders. An improvement of this policy will help the leaders of unpopular parties with a big vision for the country to help in speeding development of the country (Pelinka 8) .

Moreover, the country needs to create better policies that can help to control corruption in government. Key government officials and political leaders, both in opposition and governing political parties, had pending corruption cases during the campaign season. New regulations are required in order to prevent recurrence of such an issue in the future.

Recommendations for improving status of Austria

In order to curb major issues affecting Austria, the country should create policies that would bar suspected corrupt leaders from vying for office until the court has cleared his or her name (Advameg Inc 1). In addition, convicted corrupt officials should be stripped of their political leadership responsibility, and forced to return embezzled funds.

Since the country is composed of a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds, the United Nations should create a special program to help in educating citizens towards responsible civil obligations. For example, the UN should train the citizens the significant importance of casting votes depending on the ideologies of leaders instead of political party affiliations. This will help citizens to vote for unpopular leaders with a great development vision for the country, and no history of ever engaging in corrupt activities.

Works cited

LaGro, Esra, “EU Enlargement and Transforming Paradigms of Political Identity in Individual Member States: the Case of Austria,” CIRP – International Research and Policy Platform. Instabul: 2006. Print.

Advameg Inc. Austria – Politics, government, and taxation. Encyclopedia of Nations. Web 2011. Web. 2 October, 2013.

Austrian Migration Department. The political, administrative and legal systems. Embassy of Austria. 2013. Web. 2 October, 2013.

Austrian Press and Information Service. The Political System. Embassy of Austria. 2013. Web. 10 October, 2013.

Algis, Junevičius and Simona, Ereminaitė. Comparative Analysis of Austria‘s and Lithuania’s Self-Government System, Public Policy and Administration, 2012(11): 3.

Marcelo, Jenny. Austria. European Journal of Political Research Political Data Year Book, 2012 (51): 36–42.

Pelinka, Anton, and Wodak, Ruth. The Haider Phenomenon in Austria. New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers, 2002. Print.

Parekh, Lord, “ Rethinking Multiculturalism,” Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke (UK). 2006. Print