The people decide
Austria is a democratic country. This means, that in Austria the people decide on their government. At general, free and secret elections every eligible voter can vote for one party or one preferred political representative. An active participation in political and social life is crucial for Austria’s democracy. Every person has the right to freely express his or her political opinion and to become politically involved in society.
Free elections
Eligible voters are citizens who are 16 years of age and older. They are allowed to vote for the head of state (i.e. federal president) and for the members of the National Assembly, the first house of parliament. Representatives of the people in each federal state and municipality are also voted for in elections. For most commissions, running for election is possible for citizens from the age of 18.
Federal president and government
The federal president is the elected head of state of the Austrian republic for six years. He or she announces the members of government (federal chancellor, vice chancellor and ministers). The government consists of representatives of those parties that occupy most seats in the national assembly. The government shapes politics.
Parliament as legislation power
The parliament reviews and votes in laws. The parliament consists of democratic elected members of the national assembly and the federal council with representatives of the Austrian federal states.
Control of government
The parliament monitors the government’s work. Especially the national assembly possesses many powerful restricted rights of control. These restricted rights of control can also be partially executed by the opposition (i.e. a party, which is not actively participating in government). A parliamentary restricted right of control is for example the right to cast doubt on members of government.
Austria decides
In Austria, the law of the European Union and the Austrian law remain both valid. Private disputes are only rarely held according to the legal system of a foreign country and only if it is consistent with the fundamental attitude of the Austrian legal system. In Austria only Austrian courts are allowed to pass judgement about disputes, like divorce or alimony.
Equality for everybody
In all decisions of courts and authorities everybody is equal before the law. Men and Women are equal. Discriminations against sex, religion or skin colour are strictly prohibited. Only an Austrian citizenship can bring you a slight legal advancement.
Source: Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (Austrian Integration Fund)