- One of the highest executive organs of the Austrian State
- More representative but less powerful
- Elected by all Austrian citizens who are entitled to vote
- Limited term of office (6 years)
- only one re-election possible
- “Head of state”
- Impeachment by referendum
- ⅔, but has never happened
Competences
- Dissolve National Council or whole Federal Government
- appoints/dismisses Federal (Vice-)Chancellor
- appoints/dismisses Federal Ministers
- entire Government (Chancellors and Ministers)
- or single Ministers after recommendation of Chancellor
- Commander in Chief of the Army