Summary for Revision: Austrian Politics 2024 PDF
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MCI Management Center Innsbruck
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This document provides a summary of Austrian politics, covering neutrality, the energy crisis, the president, political system, and major political parties. The text is organized by topics, including key details and insights.
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SUMMARY FOR REVISION: AUSTRIAN POLITICS AUSTRIAN NEUTRALITY Austria is not historically neutral (i.e. it was part of military conflicts) Forced neutrality since 1955 Austria was partially occupied by Soviet forces, would only leave if Austria remained neutral (no NATO, no E...
SUMMARY FOR REVISION: AUSTRIAN POLITICS AUSTRIAN NEUTRALITY Austria is not historically neutral (i.e. it was part of military conflicts) Forced neutrality since 1955 Austria was partially occupied by Soviet forces, would only leave if Austria remained neutral (no NATO, no EU) EU membership after end of Cold War Neutrality now very popular in Austria, no NATO membership But some voices to change that because of Ucraine-War ENERGY CRISIS AND INFLATION Austria very dependent on Russian gas (80 % of gas before crisis) Increase of energy costs in 2022 leads to high inflation Many government measures (e.g. 500 euro for each Austrian; government pays part of bill for electrical energy) Inflation in Austria higher than European average PRESIDENT Formally highest office More ceremonial powers Elected directly Current president: Alexander van der Bellen POLITICAL SYSTEM Legislation is done exclusively by the parliament Parties form a coalition and agree on a program Proportional representation in parliament Federal level is most important, but certain powers belong also to the regional and local government and parliaments (e.g. limitation of speed limit to 100 km/h in Tyrol; ban of alcohol and cycling in Maria- Theresien-Straße) FEDERAL CHANCELLOR Head of government Usually leader of strongest political party Formally appointed by President, but his government must have majority in parliament Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF AUSTRIA (SPÖ) Left from the center party Strong links to labour unions Stronghold is Vienna Dominated political life in 1970ies and (to a lesser extent) the 80ies AUSTRIAN PEOPLE‘S PARTY (ÖVP) Conservative party Farmers, industry and Catholic Church Strong in rural areas Dominates political life in Western Austria (Tyrol & Vorarlberg) FREEDOM PARTY OF AUSTRIA (FPÖ) Right wing party Anti EU and against immigration Turbulent history Been in the government several times GREEN PARTY Ecological and liberal Climate change main topic Feminist and open to foreigners NEOS Liberal party; open society and pro business Pro-European Want reform of educational system
